David Lloyd Leisure to take over Oasis Beach Pool site

The decision, signed off by Mayor Tom Wootton on January 29, grants David Lloyd Leisure a long leasehold of the 6.29-acre site, formerly home to Bedford’s pyramid-roofed swimming complex.

Council officers have been authorised to finalise lease terms and negotiate a Community Use Agreement to secure access opportunities for local residents, particularly schools and community groups.

The move follows the council’s Sports Facility Strategic Review, approved in November 2024, which concluded that continuing to operate Oasis Beach Pool was no longer financially sustainable due to high running costs and significant repair requirements.

The facility cost the council around £759,000 to operate in 2024/25, not including additional repair liabilities.

A condition survey for the site undertaken in 2023 identified repair and maintenance requirements of over £1.5 million for the period up to 2028.

A roof survey undertaken in April 2025 identified costs required within five years associated with essential repairs to roof fabric only to be c.£800,000.

The decision report said this cost focussed on increasing the lifespan of the roof fabric and previous surveys have identified high-level costs for roof replacement at £2 million+ at 2025 prices over the coming years.

The site was marketed to external leisure operators in late 2025, and five full bids were received and evaluated against criteria including social value, deliverability and financial return.

David Lloyd Leisure’s proposal scored highest and was selected as the preferred offer.

The council report said the 999-year lease will secure a “significant capital receipt for the council, ensure it is maintained for leisure use” and result in its redevelopment to provide “modern, high quality leisure facilities” which will also provide employment opportunities for the local area.

Under the agreed heads of terms, David Lloyd Leisure will be required to build out the new club once contracts are completed, with planning approval targeted for submission by May 2026.

The development is expected to deliver around 75 full-time equivalent operational jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

In additon, £600,000 of council funding will be used to incorporate the provision of free to use outdoor leisure facilities for the local community in an area adjacent to the site.

The decision can be implemented from February 6, 2026 if not called in.