Swindon Link Centre ice rink could re-open by Christmas

A new ice grid system has been installed which is the coolant base to create the ice

An ice rink forced to close after flooding caused by torrential rain could be re-opened by Christmas.

The Link Centre in west Swindon was badly damaged after water penetrated the ice rink and damaged lighting and electrical circuits.

It is now hoped the rink will open next month, with the first home matches for the Swindon Wildcats ice hockey team taking place on 16 December.

The rink had only just opened after a summer renovation.

Jason Curtis, from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) which runs the rink, said: "The impact of September's floods has been devastating for the Link Centre and the ice rink was badly affected.

"We're hugely grateful for their efforts and the support of Swindon Borough Council, which has enabled us to include improvements to the ice base coolant system, rink hall insulation and plant as part of the restitution work."

Flood water penetrated the ice rink and damaged lighting and electrical circuits

The rink is likely to operate on a temporary timetable during December, with a full reopening and new extended programme planned for the New Year.

Managing Director of Swindon Wildcats, Steve Nell, said: "This has been a very difficult couple of months for the whole ice hockey community in Swindon.

"We are extremely grateful to GLL, Swindon Borough Council and the contractors on site that have worked around the clock to get the ice rink back open sooner than expected."

The Link Centre's swimming pool will be the final facility to reopen to the public, and is expected to be back in use in early January.

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