Ice Arena extension weeks away from completion

Council cabinet members and directors were treated to a tour of the Slough Ice Arena this week, before it opens its doors to the public in April.

The timber clad and glass frontage to the new extension is now complete, making the building a key landmark along the A4 Bath Road and ice has been laid in the new rink.

Cabinet members and directors toured the site to see how the final stages of works to the refurbished interior and new extension are progressing.

The two-storey extension will house the new entrance, reception, café, gym and climbing wall with Clip ‘n’ Climb feature.

It was formed with three huge feature wooden arches – known as glulam beams, which are created by gluing laminated timber sections into one structure – each of which is 30m wide and 12m high and weighing five tonnes.

The Ice Arena will open to the public in the week of 16 April following a comprehensive refurbishment and extension, including:

• extensive landscaping and public space, making a strong visual link to the Bath Road and Salt Hill Park
• recladding to transform its appearance and impact
• new ice pad fit for the next generation of skaters and user groups
• new fully glazed ice rink barriers (officially called the ‘dasher board’)
• new specialist chiller plant with replacement of existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment as required – providing more energy efficient heating and cooling
• fully refurbished changing rooms and toilets
• new spectator seating and lighting
• new café and reception area
• new climbing wall and Clip ‘n’ Climb feature
• new mezzanine level complete with lift access, housing a new gym area.

Councillor Rob Anderson, cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “Over the past year we have seen the Slough Ice Arena undergo a dramatic and exciting transformation.

“The extension is nearly complete and the building has already cemented itself as a prominent landmark along the Bath Road.

“We are delighted the Ice Arena will soon reopen its doors, providing residents with a state-of-the-art facility that will encourage them to improve their own health and wellbeing, while having fun.”

The Slough Ice Arena rebuild is being developed by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), a partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd, which is driving regeneration across the town including leisure, housing, community and school buildings.

Andy Howell, SUR General Manager, said “This has been a really challenging project to deliver and the whole team is excited to show what a transformation has taken place; it is going to be a truly fantastic new arena for ice filled fun!”

When open, the facility will be managed by the council’s leisure provider, Everyone Active, which began a 10-year partnership with the council in June last year.

Sally Thomas-Ellis, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “This is a really exciting time for sports and leisure in Slough and we are delighted to be part of it.

“The Ice Arena will be a huge asset to the community. Not only will it provide an improved experience for those who enjoyed activities on the ice, it will also offer new ways of getting active and help more people find a sport or hobby they love. I am very excited to welcome people inside on the 16th April.”

An official launch event to celebrate the Slough Ice Arena reopening is planned for Saturday 28 April, when a celebrity guest will join visitors for a day of free activities.