Ice skaters just days away from an early Christmas present
The Link Centre’s ice rink will be open to the public from Monday (18 Dec) almost exactly three months after the devastating flood which closed the leisure centre following unprecedented overnight torrential rain.
Published: Thursday, 14th December 2023
The flood water penetrated the ice rink itself, compromising lighting and electrical circuits. The damage also affected the sand ice pad base, which had to be replaced.
In order to support the Link’s operators GLL in opening the ice rink as quickly as possible, the Council procured the new state-of-the-art ice technology and equipment using part of the £2m funding the local authority agreed already allocated to leisure provision earlier this year.
The new ice installation, which cost £385,000, is expected to reduce electricity usage by 20 per cent, saving the equivalent of 283 metric tonnes of CO2, helping GLL reduce its carbon output in line with both its own and the Council’s Net Zero ambitions.
The ice rink is likely to operate on a temporary timetable during December, with a full reopening and new extended programme planned for the New Year.
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “The new ice rink is looking fantastic and I’m so pleased we were able to work so quickly to procure the new ice pad so the Wildcats could get back to playing in Swindon.
“There is no doubt the club was in a perilous position so I’m delighted for everyone associated with the club. The new technology used for the new ice installation will also help GLL reduce its energy usage helping to reduce costs and make the rink more sustainable, which is what our Achieve Net Zero mission is all about.”
This weekend, the ice rink will host the Wildcats' matches against Sheffield Steeldogs tomorrow (16 Dec) and Leeds Knights on Sunday (17 Dec). If you want to support the team visit the Wildcats’ website - https://swindonwildcats.com/tickets/