The ice rink at the Link Centre in Swindon will close for three weeks starting 27 April 2026 to undergo final refurbishment works following flood damage sustained in 2023. The facility is expected to reopen on 18 May 2026, with all programmes and services returning to normal by 8 June 2026.
The project, managed by Greenwich Leisure Limited under the Better brand, aims to provide an improved experience for local skaters and the Swindon Wildcats ice hockey team. Improvements include new lighting and electrical systems, upgraded air handling and cooling units, a refreshed look for the rink, and a new ice cutting machine. The Swindon Borough Council-owned facility has received significant investment to restore the building, including £375,000 for the initial ice pad replacement following the September 2023 floods.
To accommodate the closure, monthly members, including those signed up for ice skating lessons, will receive an automatic 75 per cent discount on their May payment. Annual members will have their memberships extended by three weeks to ensure they do not lose access time. During the three-week period, all ice skating lessons and club bookings will be paused.
The Link Centre serves as a primary hub for ice sports in the community, providing a home venue for both professional and junior hockey players. Following the 2023 flood damage, which forced the centre to close for an extended period, the council and its partners have worked to secure the site’s future through long-term agreements and ongoing upgrades.
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