Architectural plans for what could be the UK’s seventh indoor snow centre have been released by FaulknerBrowns.
The involvement of the prestigious architectural form, responsible for the design of five of the UK’s six existing indoor snow centres, has raised hopes that the facility in Swindon, which has been talked about for more than five years and seen a number of issues with previous contractors failing to deliver, may now be finally nearing the construction phase.
The project, to be located opposite the existing Oasis Leisure Centre, has been marked as a priority by Swindon Borough Council and is intended to help regenerate the previously industrial area into a vibrant shopping district.
The development will include a small 2,000 square metre snow centre with two real-snow slopes, a twelve-screen cinema including the largest IMAX screen in the UK, a bowling alley, an indoor trampolining centre, a 130-room hotel and a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
“It is fantastic to be able to bring our experience and expertise in indoor snow and leisure destinations to Swindon for this exciting development. The complex—our fifth indoor snow scheme—will bring a neglected site back into use and provide visitors with a memorable experience, both on and off the slopes,“ said Russ Davenport, Partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects.
The building design has a ‘railway arches’ themed inspired by the heritage of its location on the former site of the Great Western Railway Works.
The project is one of a number officially currently live in the UK to build a seventh indoor snow centre, which also include the ‘Cool Running’ project in Middlesbrough, work on which is due to commence later this year with a target opening of late 2019.
