Pyramid-shaped pool leased for redevelopment

A leisure firm has been granted a 999‑year lease on a disused pyramid‑roofed pool due to be redeveloped.

Bedford Borough Council has approved a long lease of the former Oasis Beach Pool site to David Lloyd Leisure Limited.

Mayor Tom Wootton signed the decision, "for the purpose of providing a private members' health and racquets club, together with ancillary facilities".

marketed to leisure operators in late 2025, and David Lloyd Leisure's proposal scored highest out of five full bids.

The council previously concluded that operating Oasis Beach Pool had been no longer financially sustainable due to high running costs and significant repair requirements.

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

A roof inspection in 2025 found, although repairs worth £800,000 could extend the roof's life, a full replacement would eventually be needed and could cost more than £2m.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council report said the 999-year lease would result in its redevelopment to provide "modern, high quality leisure facilities".

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

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.

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