UK - Birmingham Ice Rink

[Isk8NYC]

From the ISI "Rink Rumblings" (http://www.skateisi.com/directory/isionline/News/20060711a.cfm) section:

Birmingham, UK – Plans have been drawn to reopen Birmingham's only ice rink in a leisure project estimated to cost pounds 25 million plus. If approved, construction could begin by Christmas with a possible opening date of next October. The project will include 230 new apartments, shops and possibly a health club. The new 33,000-square-foot venue will rise from the ashes of the former Silver Blades venue. Planet Ice plans to provide the first curling facility in England at the site and to offer free use of the new rink to youth groups and schools.

[sarahg]

Thanks for that. Coincidentally I was chatting to the coaches at my rink about it yesterday. Apparently the rink is going to be fairly small, primarily aimed at the general public who just want to skate around in a public session - at least that is the current rumour at the other Midland rinks.

[Isk8NYC]

Maybe having the school groups go there will free up ice elsewhere?

[babyballerina]

Well more rinks can only be good news.

It's not the first curling rink in England. There is supposed to be one in Kent. I just googled it.

http://www.fentonsrink.co.uk/background.html

I am sure there used to be a curling rink somewhere in the borders. Up near Penrith somewhere? Perhaps it was only temporary? Or, more likely, closed down?