SOCIAL ENTERPRISE BARNSLEY
PRESS RELEASES
OPENING OF BARNSLEY ICE RINK IS FIRST FOR UK
16th October 2006
Andy Arnold of Oak Initiatives and SEB Manager, Mike Dunne at the Zero Ice Centre
The grand opening of the Zero Ice Centre will take place this Saturday to provide the first permanent synthetic ice-skating rink in the UK and the only one to be approved by the National Institute of Skating Association (NISA).
The family entertainment centre, located in the ex Carpet World shop on Lambra Road, Barnsley is a phased development with phase one providing a 140 sq. metre ice skating rink capable of accommodating 50 skaters at any one time. This will be complemented with a children’s soft play area and cafe bar in a family friendly environment.
Phase two of the scheme will provide a much larger skating rink of 380 sq. metres and will become the largest synthetic ice rink in Europe, capable of accommodating 150 skaters. Expected to be fully open in December 06, the centre has also been designed to offer games areas, disco’s and theme nights. Further plans are in place to provide professional ice-skating and confidence lessons from the new-year onwards.
If you have a business idea that also has a community benefit, Social Enterprise Barnsley can help with business and funding advice. To speak to a business adviser telephone BDA on 01226 787540.
Zero Ice is the trading arm of two local companies, Oak Initiatives Ltd and Get Ya Skates On Ltd, both based at the Kendray Business Centre. The centre, which is backed by Barnsley Development Agency (BDA), Social Enterprise Barnsley (SEB) and South Yorkshire Key Fund, will be operated as a social enterprise. This will result in a subsidised pricing policy with profits put back into the centre to improve facilities and encourage active involvement in sport across Barnsley. The centre is also expected to create 15 new jobs rising to 20 within the first year of operation.
The centre will be open from 10am till 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am till 8pm on Sundays throughout the school half term and bank holiday periods. Opening times in school term time will be 3.30pm till 10pm Monday to Friday, 10am till 10pm on Saturday’s and 10am till 8pm on Sunday’s. Entry prices will be £4 per hour including skate hire and £1 for under five’s which includes access into the children’s play area. The centre is easily accessible from Barnsley town centre and free parking is provided.
Andy Arnold, Director of Oak Initiatives, commented: “The Zero Ice centre is a fantastic addition to Barnsley’s leisure facilities, offering something suitable for all age groups. We are grateful to all parties who have been involved with getting the centre up and running and encourage members of the public to come along and enjoy this unique experience.”
Mike Dunne, Social Enterprise Barnsley Manager, added: “It is really pleasing to see a social enterprise such as Zero Ice taking on such an ambitious project. The centre will not only be a leisure facility but it will contribute to the regeneration of the town in line with the ‘Remaking Barnsley’ programme, encouraging visitors to the town centre for a wide variety of social provision.”
If you have a business idea that also has a community benefit, Social Enterprise Barnsley can help with business and funding advice. To speak to a business adviser telephone BDA on 01226 787540.
