Skaters back on ice after £1⁄2 m revamp at Sobell rink

Published: 23 July, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

THE days of having to practise off-ice are over for Islington’s Torvill and Dean wannabes after the Sobell Centre’s £550,000 refurbished ice rink reopened on Monday.

The rink, which has a projector system, hi-tech speakers, extra room for spectators and new floors, has been closed since December.

Islington Council and Aquaterra, which runs the borough’s leisure centres, were forced to shut the rundown rink to update the coolant gas supply to meet the latest environmental regulations.

As well as upgrading the pipes, they decided to improve the rink – adding new netting to prevent ice-hockey pucks from flying into the spectators’ area.

The skate hire area has been improved, together with public seating, lighting and sound systems.

Nearly three years ago, Sobell Ice Skating Club had to hold its Christmas production off-ice and on dry ice-skates – skates on wheels – after the rink was closed following a chemical leak.

Coach Karen Coombes said: “We’re not stuck in the 70s anymore. The girls have been practising on dry ice-skates upstairs until today. 

“The new rink is clean, tidy, crisp, has great lighting and a fantastic sound system. And we’ve got a new projector that beams down on the ice. 

“They cut the corners off the rink but they didn’t skate in the corners anyway and now it’s easier for the zamboni [rink cleaning machine] to get round.”

She added: “Now the rink is back all the girls can do their national ice skating awards, which they had to put on hold. We’re looking forward to doing our Christmas show.”

The council’s Labour leisure chief Councillor Paul Convery said: “This vital investment has saved the rink from closure. 

“The Sobell ice rink is greatly loved and is now better than ever. With the schools breaking up soon, it’s the perfect place for a summer visit. I’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us during this major work and I’d invite them to come along soon to see how much it has been worth it. 

“We’re committed to the future of the Sobell Centre and the fabulous new rink will be part of that.”

The work is part of a £1.7million package of improvements which include roof repairs, internal redecoration and better heating, lighting and ventilation.

Aquaterra chief executive Peter Cardy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see a rink of such a high standard. 

“Ice rinks are so few and  far between that it’s great to have a facility of such a high standard here.”

Two weeks ago, Islington’s new Labour cabinet overturned the previous Lib Dem council’s plan to demolish and rebuild the centre.