Ice Arena extension nearly complete

Residents can now see how the front of the new Ice Arena will look – as the timber clad and glass frontage to the new extension is now nearing completion.

Councillor Rob Anderson, lead member for environment and leisure, took a tour of the site to see how works are progressing to the refurbished interior and new extension – which is adding an extra 1,000m2 of space.

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 weighs five tonnes.

The Ice Arena will be opening to the public at the end of April following a multi-million rebuild including:
• extensive landscaping and public space
• cladding to improve its appearance and impact
• new ice pad fit for the next generation of skaters and user groups
• new fully glazed ice rink barriers
• new specialist chiller plant with replacement of existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment as required
• new changing rooms and toilets
• new spectator seating and lighting
• new café, reception area and climbing wall and clip ‘n’ climb feature
• new mezzanine level complete with lift access, housing a new gym area

Councillor Rob Anderson, lead member for environment and leisure said: “It was very exciting to see the progress on the Ice Arena and residents can now see how the incredible frontage has been extended towards the Bath Road creating not only a larger building but, with the new landscaping, a much more welcoming entrance and public area.

“The Ice arena is just one of the new facilities spearheading our efforts to make Slough one of the most active towns in the country and is only the start of a major improvement in all our leisure centres, parks and open spaces that will allow people opportunities at every level to take control of their own health and wellbeing.”

The Slough Ice Arena rebuild is being undertaken 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.

When open the facility will be managed by the council’s leisure provider EveryoneActive.

Andy Howell, SUR General Manager, said “It’s fantastic to see the building taking shape; the new extension is going to transform this council facility and we are really pleased with the design.

“Very shortly the specialist internal fit out will commence and the new ice rink will be created; we look forward to the new rink supporting more activity and fun on ice!”