The Blue Ice Plaza Complex in Solihull has reported a rise in
visitor levels following a £1.1 million investment in
improvements to the ice rink. And with the spotlight on ice
skating following the success of the ITV1 show Dancing on Ice plus
the forthcoming arrival of hit touring production Holiday on Ice to
the region, the popular leisure venue is gearing up for a busy end
to the winter season.
With a new ice pad now in place, recent weekend visitor numbers
at the complex have increased by 10 percent compared to figures
recorded during the same period last year, with visitor levels
doubling at weekends compared to weekday numbers. As ice rink
manager, Stuart Cummings explained, visitor levels have also been
boosted by the band of celebrities who have taken to the ice in the
New Year, including some of the UK's best-loved soap stars, singers
and sporting heroes.
Stuart said: "With shows such as Dancing on Ice becoming
increasingly popular, ice skating is enjoying something of a
renaissance across the country. Here in Solihull, weekends at
the Blue Ice Plaza have been particularly busy, as fans of the show
hit the ice to try their hand at the sport. Places on our five week
'Learn to Skate' courses have been filling up fast, and we are
delighted to see so many members of the public benefitting from the
£1.1m works that were completed late last year."
One such visitor to the Solihull rink was rugby international
turned ice skating star Kyran Bracken MBE, who dropped by to brush
up on his skating skills in preparation for his participation in
the touring production of Holiday on Ice.
Stuart added: "With the refurbishment complete, we are well
placed to welcome all new visitors to the complex, and we are fully
geared up to accommodate the range of activities we offer here from
disco and group sessions to family fun days, ice hockey and speed
skating. We attract visitors here of all ages, from teenagers
meeting with friends at half term to parents bringing their
toddlers in the hope that they might become professionals later in
life!
"Families in particular are a growing group of customers,
looking for an alternative way to spend some time together and get
fit at the same time. Private tuition is also available for budding
ice skaters from nine NISA qualified instructors."
The ice rink on Hobs Moat Road is one of Solihull's most popular
leisure destinations and is the only ice skating facility to
accommodate customers from the wider Birmingham area. It is jointly
owned by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Leisure Living
Ltd - a subsidiary of St. Modwen, the UK's leading regeneration
specialist. The essential improvement works at the complex included
the installation of a new ceiling, ice pad and replacement barrier;
and during the six months it took to carry out essential
improvement works, the entire staff at Blue Ice were retained and
involved in redecorating the centre.
Julie Rossiter, senior asset manager for St. Modwen added: "It
is extremely encouraging to see that the Blue Ice Plaza Complex has
benefitted from the recent reinvestment in its facilities. Despite
the challenges of the current economic climate, the wide appeal of
the venue is growing; and as the buzz around ice skating continues
over the forthcoming months, the complex is on track for a very
successful winter season."
The ice rink at the Blue Ice Plaza Complex in Solihull is open
seven days a week, with other on site facilities including
restaurants, a snooker club and gym. For further information visit
solihullicerink.co.uk or call 0121 742 5561.