Basingstoke ice rink to close on Sunday for refurbishment

While an official public announcement has yet to be made, rink staff, coaches, and ice rink users have been privately informed of the impending closure.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's plan to push the leaseholder for the refurbishment has been years in the making, responding to concerns from a structural survey conducted by Ridge and Partners Chartered Surveyors, which revealed that the ice pad was unlikely to remain functional without substantial repairs.

Permafrost beneath the ice pad had caused upward heave, severely impacting the ice quality.

Ice rink in Basingstoke (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Basingstoke Ice Rink to close for long-awaited refurbishment

Additional issues with dilapidated infrastructure around the rink prompted a need for urgent action.

BDBC has coordinated with Standard Securities Ltd (SSL), the rink’s current leaseholder, and Planet Ice (Basingstoke) Ltd (PIBL), the current operator under an underlease, to formalise a schedule of repairs.

Responsibility for the repairs lies with SSL, which holds a 115-year lease on the rink (from 2000 to 2115), with the underlease to Planet Ice running until 2061.

SSL has since requested to assign the headlease to a new entity, Nice Leisure, which is expected to oversee the refurbishment.

With a guarantee in place, risks associated with the transaction, such as the new owner's ability to complete the work promptly, will be monitored under the head lease terms.

The timeline for this comprehensive project includes an initial phase of major demolition and structural work on the ice pad and stands, which is anticipated to take up to three months to complete.

Following this, a second phase will address non-structural repairs and redecorations.

When contacted, Basingstoke Junior Ice Hockey Club chair Stewart Tempest said it is good news that the refurbishment works are finally starting.

He is hoping it will be completed soon for the rink users to come back quickly ahead of next season.

He added: “Planet Ice has told coaches and private ice users, synchro skaters, and adult recreational hockey teams that the rink will close at the end of the day on Sunday, but it is concerning that the public have not been officially informed about it so far.”

The closure affects various teams and groups that depend on the rink, including junior hockey teams, synchro skaters, and adult recreational hockey teams.

Meanwhile, there have been efforts to establish a temporary ice rink in Basingstoke during the refurbishment period.

However a bipartisan proposal, backed by Conservative councillor Sean Dillow and Labour councillor Alex Lee, seeking to secure a temporary site, was rejected by the full council earlier two weeks back.

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke MP criticises council leader after temporary ice rink motion voted down

Commenting on the refurbishment reports, Cllr Dillow said: “If the rumours are true and a deal has finally been signed to enable the long overdue refurbishment of Basingstoke’s ice rink, then this is a critical first step in safeguarding our ice rink community. However, securing this deal is just the beginning. It is essential that work progresses without delay, minimizing the closure period and disruption to our skaters, ice hockey players, and businesses that depend on this facility."

Dillow also stressed the importance of council support for the ice rink community throughout the closure.

“Our community deserves clear, proactive measures to ensure that the refurbishment is completed swiftly and responsibly so that everyone who relies on this vital community asset can return to the ice as soon as possible. This project must not be allowed to stall, and I will continue to hold all parties accountable to ensure the shortest possible closure for Basingstoke’s ice rink.”