Partnership working on ice rink plans

KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council will work in partnership with user groups on proposals to safely re-open the ice rink at Auchenharvie.

Following a series of positive and productive meetings with ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and curling clubs, we are pleased to confirm that all partners have a mutual understanding of the current position and the challenges ahead.

All parties agreed to work together in partnership to resolve some of the ongoing issues, giving the opportunity to jointly explore some of the technical aspects towards re-starting ice activity as soon as circumstances allow.

Moving forward, a working group with representatives from each of the ice sports will be convened to determine;

• An ice rink re-opening plan, focusing on the public health and safety considerations of staff and customers
• To consider solutions to the technical challenges of complying with the ice rink operation guidance
• Subsequent improvements to ice provision and programming at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre
• The proposed development of a Community Sport Hub specifically for ice, in line with sportscotland’s national Community Sports Hub Programme

Colin Glencorse, Business Manager at KA Leisure, said: “We would like to thank the representatives from all the ice sports for their contribution and participation in the meetings and agreeing to be part of the working group going forward.”

North Ayrshire Council Leader Joe Cullinane said: “This is a significant step forward – we are all keen to see the ice rink at Auchenharvie re-open safely. We’re delighted that the user groups will be playing a role in developing these plans in the days and week ahead.”

Scott Campbell, Chair of North Ayrshire Ice Hockey club, said: “I would like to thank KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council for their open, honest and transparent approach which I am sure will bring a positive outcome that all our members will be happy with.”

The ice rink has been closed since lockdown was introduced in March. With restrictions starting to ease, the focus will be on working together to agree a re-opening plan.