Oasis Beach Pool, once a beloved local attraction and more recently a “vision of a dystopian apocalyptic future”, is set for a radical transformation – into what some say could be the Louvre of Bedford.
Important update at the end of this article.
Following months of uncertainty over the facility’s future, a new vision has emerged to turn the glass pyramid structure into a satellite museum space, extending the reach of The Higgins Bedford across both banks of the River Great Ouse.
Inspired by the Musée du Louvre in Paris, famous for its modernist glass pyramid entrance, local officials say the leisure pool offers the “perfect shape, the perfect symbolism, and just enough new glazing to make it worth a punt”.
One source close to the plans told the Bedford Independent: “Look, it already sort of looks like the Louvre if you squint a bit. And we’ve just had new windows put in. Would be a waste, wouldn’t it?”
Bedford Borough Council has yet to comment officially, but insiders say a working group is exploring how parts of The Higgins’ vast collection could be displayed in the pyramid building.
This may include temporary exhibitions and “interactive art installations using old water slides”.
The Oasis building – described by one councillor (and almost every resident) as “an embarrassment to Bedford” – was recently earmarked for permanent closure after a £500,000 refurbishment.
Read: Oasis leisure pool earmarked for permanent closure
A report said that the site will need over £900k a year (including energy costs) from Bedford Borough Council, and there are ‘no viable options to maintain the existing facility as is or with modifications to the existing building.’
“It no longer works as a pool, so it’s time to think outside the (glass) box,” said a source involved in discussions about what to do with the building. “We’re calling it Project Bouvre – Bedford’s Louvre.”
Full details remain under wraps, but it’s believed the reimagined space could open in summer 2026, giving local schoolchildren and visitors a chance to enjoy world-class art exhibitions in the same spot where Bedfordians once braved the wave machine and plastic palm trees.
With Bedford’s strong track record for reinvention, some are already hailing the plan as visionary. Others say they’ll believe it when they see the first Monet hanging over the foot spa.
Update: Well, it’s now midday and we’re bound by tradition to let you all know that this was indeed an April Fool’s Day joke. Our most popular one yet. Thanks to everyone who joined in, and thanks to those who took it all in the spirit it was intended.
