New £2m ice rink set for East Kilbride leisure hub

East Kilbride Ice RinkThe multi-million pound redevelopment of East Kilbride Ice Rink took a step forward this week with councillors approving a further £300,000 contribution to the funding package.

A report went before South Lanarkshire Council’s executive committee outlining a new timescale for the project, which is running six to nine months behind its original schedule.

It also states that the budget for the new ice rink has jumped from between £1.25 and £1.50 million to £2.36m.

The report goes on to say that the new leisure hub, in the Olympia, will be open by next October, with work due to start this September or October on the ice rink, which could be closed for up to a year.



The major investment in the town centre leisure hub will see a variety of family-orientated restaurants and a new commercial gym, complimenting the existing cinema complex and the refurbished ice rink.

Councillor Chris Thompson, the chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s enterprise services committee and chair of the East Kilbride Task Force, said: “Creating a leisure hub within the shopping centre is something we are delighted to support and I am sure will be a great success.

“The ice rink is still very well used with more than 100,000 visitors each year. Unfortunately it is now around 25 years old and needs a major refurbishment if it is to continue to be fit for purpose.

“This investment safeguards the future of the ice rink and ensures it will be at the heart of this exciting new leisure development.



“It shows that the East Kilbride Task Force is committed to bringing new and exciting opportunities to the town.”

The Task Force includes representatives from South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise, Business Gateway Lanarkshire Enterprise Services, Skills Development Scotland, Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce, South Lanarkshire College and Orion Capital Managers, on behalf of East Kilbride Town Centre.

A 25-year lease (with the option of a further 15 years extension) to operate the ice rink is also expected to be agreed with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture.

The Town Centre owners are to take the lead in terms of the design and procurement of the redevelopment.



The leisure hub is in addition to a new skills and training centre which opened earlier this year in the town centre to help businesses and jobseekers across South Lanarkshire.


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