Transformational regeneration at Atlantis Leisure through solar energy, gym expansion, roof repairs, inclusive changing facilities and outdoor renewal — tackling inequality and driving net-zero
Estimated Price
475000
Atlantis Leisure is a vibrant, community-run health and wellbeing hub in the heart of Oban. For over 30 years, we’ve been a lifeline for locals of all ages - a place where toddlers learn to swim, teens train with sports clubs, adults improve their fitness and older residents stay active and connected. As a registered charity and social enterprise, every penny we earn is reinvested. Our huge range of facilities are designed to support active, healthy lives. We work with schools, NHS partners, and community groups to deliver inclusive, high-impact services. With over 150,000 visits a year and no other facility like it for 95 miles, Atlantis isn’t just a leisure centre - it’s the beating heart of our community.
This application comprises separate projects that are also listed on Aspiring Places indivdiually but we thought it made sense to group them together as a single proposal for the purposes of RCGF too:
1. What do you want to do?
We propose a multi-strand capital regeneration programme at Atlantis Leisure — a vital, community-owned asset serving Oban and surrounding remote rural areas — to deliver large-scale, community-led change aligned with RCGF's aims that breathes new life into an over 50 year old facility.
This project brings together three deliverable, community-prioritised infrastructure improvements:
Installation of rooftop solar panels and battery storage: significanty reducing carbon emissions, lowering long-term operating costs and contributing to Net Zero targets. 160k
Expansion of Atlantis’ gym: a two-storey extension to accommodate growing community demand, support inclusive programmes like Elevate & Stay Active, and provide flexible meeting and office space to host outreach services and community partners. 175k
Creation of accessible changing facility: reconfiguring existing internal space, to provide a dignified, fully inclusive changing area to support disabled users 50k
Restoration of end of life outdoor sports pitch: bringing an end-of-life, unusable asset back into service, enabling schools, clubs, and informal groups to use it year-round, relieving pressure from indoor space and boosting physical activity levels. 90k
Restoration of Sports Hall Roof: rectifying end-of-life aspects of the roofing. 150,000k
2. Why is your project needed?
Atlantis Leisure is a community-run registered charity and social enterprise that delivers year-round access to sport, physical activity, and wellbeing services. We are the only such facility within a 95-mile radius and serve over 150,000 users annually — yet key parts of our infrastructure are now limiting access, affordability, and impact.
The pitch is end-of-life and unusable, with back-up facilities constrained by a statutory noise order.
We've run out of room in our existing gym facility meaning vital communtiy programmes like Healthy Options are unable to operate properly
There is no suitable changing space for users with complex access needs, meaning many are excluded from participation.
Energy costs are surging, making it harder to deliver affordable access and sustain services for low-income families.
The project will regenerate these essential community assets, futureproof our building, reduce inequalities in access, and enable Atlantis to deliver sustainable social value for decades to come — directly supporting the RCGF’s priorities around deprivation, climate, inclusion, and place-based transformation.
3. What positive changes will your project bring about?
Inclusive Infrastructure: The accessible changing space addresses long-standing inequality, empowering disabled users to participate fully & independently.
Net-Zero Progress: Solar & battery systems will directly reduce carbon emissions, support national climate goals, & make Atlantis more financially sustainable.
Renewed Community Space: The front pitch transformation will reinstate valuable outdoor capacity, expanding options for schools, clubs, and families.
Address Capacity Issues: Expanding the gym answers a growing problem with existing capacity.
Child Poverty Impact: Reducing running costs helps us to maintain subsidised programmes, removing financial barriers to physical & social wellbeing.
Place-Based Renewal: This project aligns with the Place Principle and National Strategy for Economic Transformation by investing in a community-anchored asset with cross-cutting impact.
Together, these outcomes represent transformational, community-led regeneration that will enhance the resilience, health, and wellbeing of Oban.
4. How long will your project run for?
The project is fully deliverable within FY 2026–27.
Start: Early 2026
End: March 2027
Drawdown Ready: All spend will be committed or completed within the terms of the RCGF.
Delivery Approach: Projects will be managed by Atlantis Leisure’s Facilities Subgroup with oversight from the Board.
Match Funding: Confirmed: Atlantis own contribution. Pending: we are actively pursuing applications and conversations with other funders including LES's CARES programme
