The situation of Basingstoke's ice rink explained (and why campaigners fear for its future)

Planet Ice at the Leisure Park is home to the Bison, a successful ice hockey team that draws crowds of more than 1,000 for home matches. 

Its current stadium is under threat as Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and developers New River are planning to redevelop the site into a new retail park.

However, councillors have assured the public that a new home would be found for the ice rink beforehand - with five sites identified by Cllr John Izzett just before Christmas. 

It is another complex situation - here are the main questions and answers that you need to know. 

I've heard the ice rink is closing down - is this true?

The current ice rink has major structural problems caused by permafrost in every area of the building. Just how long the rink will last is unknown, but most people fell it will only be a few years.

I've read about plans to build a new retail park at the leisure park. What will happen to the ice rink and the rest of the facilities?

The ice rink was not put in the original plans, but after an outcry from the people of the borough it was added.

Previously elsewhere in the country when an ice rink is rebuilt or refurbished a temporary rink is constructed to bridge the gap between facilities.

This is because it is not possible for all the ice rink users to relocate to another ice rink as there is no available ice time at these facilities.

However, the thinking has now changed that building a temporary or a permanent rink could well cost similar amounts.

Who owns the ice rink?

Property Investment Company Standard Securities own the rink and lease it back to Planet Ice who run the rink.

They were going to repair the rink in 2016, but with the pending development of Leisure Park which the council said would start in 2018.

This was delayed as they would not have been able to get their money back on the investment when it was knocked down. The development is not now set to start until 2025.

What does the ice rink have to do with the council?

The rink was built in 1988 for the Basingstoke Council to run. The main contractor who was overseeing the build went into liquidation. Basingstoke Council tasked the councils Clerk of Works at the time to take over.

There were many fundamental errors made in the construction which are now becoming apparent. In 2000 they sold the building to Planet Ice to finance the building of the Aquadrome, but never did a survey on the state of the building at the time or going forward.

New River's vision of the leisure park

I've read that the council have found five sites where the rink could move to. Is this a good idea.

With a growing town leisure facilities should be priority not looked upon as an after thought. A new rink which is built properly this time would be a great asset to the town.

The ice hockey team play in a national league which is second tier of the game in Britain, while skaters also compete right across Britain and in Europe. The good this does putting the town on the map is priceless

Why should people care?

The ice rink is the most used sporting facility in the town and a hub of the community.

Keep Ice In Basingstoke protesters outside the council's offices

It is used nearly 24 hours a day for ice hockey/figure skating and synchronized skating and without a rink it would destroy what has been built up in the last 30 years.

What are people upset about?

Without an ice rink all the people will have no where to go and will have to give up their respectable sports in an era when we are encouraging people to be active.

Over half the senior ice hockey team are home breed and they the top supported team in the town.

The players also provide inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps either taking up skating or ice hockey. There is no reason why a nine year old today cannot play for his home town team in 10 years time.

How can people help or get involved?

The Basingstoke Ice User Forum is very active in making sure an ice facility is retained in the town using the #Keepiceinbasingstoke

What is the next step?

A new rink needs to built sooner than later, hitting the puck down the road is not an opinion. The latest survey results are due to be presented at the  community, environment and partnership committee on March 18, but are unlikely to made public.

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