A NEW community hub officially launched at the former River Island building in the town centre.

Swindon Hub hopes to bring the community together by featuring exhibitions, activities, talks, a café, and more.

At the launch on Satuday, trustee Natalie North said: “So it’s been over a year in the planning, just getting to the stage of signing the lease, working our structure, how it’s going to work, getting everybody involved, and making sure that everybody is happy.

“The last week we had people working until 10pm, getting the space ready and it made it all seem worthwhile. All that time that we spent trying to get it ready.

“We’ve had such positive feedback and just seeing the amount of people come in, some of which had no idea about the hub or what we’re about. It’s actually something the community wants and needs.”

The regular opening hours will be from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am until 6pm. 

“In the first week, we might close a couple of afternoons depending on volunteers as we’re all new to this,” Natalie added. 

The hub is looking for more volunteers to support them. 

Riyad Mustafa, who lives near Chippenham, said: “It’s brilliant, I really think it’s needed, especially in the context of Covid, where people have been self-isolation and felt lonely. It’s very well organised and the space feels very welcoming. 

“I really like the idea that you can also display something and get involved in activities.”
Sean Wilson from West Swindon said: “I think it’s marvellous how much work they’ve done, there’s lots of community groups, I’m very impressed with the work the volunteers have done in a very short time. 

“We see around us lots of closed up shops and the life has gone out the town centre whereas hopefully we can have more projects life this, bringing new life into the town to bring people back into the town, to revitalise it.”

Save Oasis Swindon is holding an exhibition for the next three weeks which tells the story of the iconic leisure centre. 

Campaigner Neil Robinson told the Adver: “We had this idea for a while to create this exhibition, but we just haven’t had the space to do it. 

“But now the Swindon Hub has opened up and is a perfect opportunity, while the listing application is going through for us to celebrate the Oasis.

“People have so many memories of the Oasis, generations have gone there for the past 45 years. They have donated stuff to us like a lifeguard shirt, signs, and tickets.”

The exhibition features pictures, posters, stories and memorabilia sent in by the public from the last 45 years.

He added: “I’ve been really interested by the history of the Oasis since I started this campaign. I love the architecture behind it.

“Everyone’s passionate, it’s really sad, I really hope that it gets listed and saved.”

For more information visit swindon-hub.lemonbooking.com