The centre was commissioned by Thamesdown Borough Council (later renamed
Swindon Borough Council) in 1970 to provide leisure and social facilities for an estimated West Swindon population of 50,000. Design was undertaken in-house under chief architect K P Sherry, and work began on the site in 1983. The modern, multi-axial design incorporating an ice rink, swimming pool and other facilities opened in April 1985, received an estimated 1 million visitors in its first year of operation and "won awards and favourable mentions in architectural circles". The complex, designed to provide facilities for more than 20 sports and leisure activities, was described in architectural and sports journals as the most comprehensive development of its kind in Britain. This bacteria, found during a routine test, is the cause of
Legionnaires' disease. The centre re-opened following a full sterilisation of the water supply. In 2006, the metal-exterior centre was closed for a short time after a major electrical fault was caused by an internal flood. ==Facilities==