Oasis Beach Pool will close temporarily from Monday, 3 November, as Bedford Borough Council pauses operations over the winter while it decides what to do next with the site.
The council said the suspension was due to the building’s age, high running costs, and energy use, making it “financially prudent” to close the centre during what is traditionally its quietest season.
The decision comes as the council continues to seek a long-term partner to acquire and redevelop the 6.29-acre site on Cardington Road, which is being offered on a long leasehold for leisure use.
Uncertain future
The move follows a turbulent period for the pyramid-shaped landmark, which was opened in 1991 and has been part of Bedford’s leisure landscape for more than 30 years.
In May 2024, the council announced a £500,000 investment in new boilers, lighting, ventilation and repairs before reopening the site for half term.
The refurbishment was billed as a sign of renewed commitment to the pool’s future, but just six months later, councillors voted to close it permanently, citing unsustainable costs.
That decision sparked anger among residents and opposition councillors, who questioned why such a large sum had been spent before deciding to shut it down.
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At the time, Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) said the way Oasis had been managed in the past made him “quite angry” and that he was “so sad that it’s run down.”
Planned pause
Cllr Sarah Gallagher (Conservative, Shortstown), Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said the winter closure was a temporary step while options for the site’s future are explored.
“Oasis Beach Pool has played an important role in the health and well-being of Bedford Borough residents and visitors alike.
“This planned pause, which is driven by the high running costs of the site, allows us to maintain the facilities during the quieter winter period, while we explore sustainable options for its future.”
Since its reopening under the management of Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), the pool has recorded more than 117,000 visits, offering a range of sessions including inflatable fun swims, relaxed family splash times and swim-a-song classes.
A spokesperson for GLL said they were “grateful for the continued support of local customers” and would work with members and user groups to find alternative sessions at other Bedford leisure centres.
“Since the Bedford Oasis Beach Pool reopened under our operation in May 2024, we have appreciated the return of customers to this popular and iconic facility and thank them for their custom,” the spokesperson said.
“We are happy to answer any queries about customer memberships and signpost to alternative facilities in Bedford Borough.”
Memberships and alternative venues
Oasis Beach Pool members will be offered flexible options to transfer, change or cancel their memberships.
Other GLL-managed facilities remain open across Bedford Borough, including Robinson Pools & Fitness, Kempston Pool & Fitness, John Bunyan Sports & Fitness, Bedford International Athletics Stadium and Mowsbury Golf & Squash Complex.
Bedford Borough Council said it remains committed to ensuring residents have access to sustainable, affordable leisure facilities and that further updates on the Oasis site’s future will follow once the review is complete.
For more information, visit bedford.gov.uk/sport.
