Controversy Over Time Capsule Ice Rink Closure
Plans to close the ice rink at the well-known Time Capsule leisure centre in Lanarkshire and replace it with an active play area have sparked protests from skating groups, who say they were taken by surprise by the announcement.
North Lanarkshire Council is set to make a decision next Monday regarding the proposed closure of the rink at the Time Capsule in Coatbridge as part of a broader redevelopment plan.
A council report states that converting the facility into an active play area and adding padel courts is expected to increase visitor numbers and boost revenue.
The ice rink currently serves numerous skating groups and hockey teams, which have expressed concerns to BBC Scotland News that they would lose their venue if the proposal is approved.
The Time Capsule, which opened in 1991, houses a water park, gym, soft play area, and the ice rink. It has seen significant investment in recent years, including an additional £2.6 million approved by the council earlier this year for the leisure centre.
However, a report to the council's communities committee indicates that this funding could be used to "consider re-development/renewal of the offering to increase footfall and ensure long-term community and commercial viability."
The redevelopment plan includes shutting the ice rink, citing "the changing demands of the public" as a reason. Visitor numbers at the rink have declined by 8.6% from 2024/2025 to 2025/2026.
Financially, the rink recorded a net deficit of £213,962 in 2025/2026.
The report proposes transforming the rink into a "fully accessible and inclusive play and activity zone," which would feature padel courts and alternative fitness options.
This change is projected to "deliver a trading profit which in turn will deliver an ongoing improvement in the overall financial position of the facility," noting that padel is a rapidly growing sport.
Concerns from Skating and Hockey Communities
The proposed closure has caused alarm among many clubs and groups that currently use the facility, as well as within the wider skating and ice hockey communities in Scotland.
Rhiannon Scott, a coach with the synchronised skating club Starlight Synchro, told BBC Scotland News the decision would significantly affect many young people.
"The first any of the clubs heard about this happening was on Saturday, so it's been a massive shock for us.
"We've got early morning sessions, afternoon sessions and so many clubs using there. They're filled with kids - North Lanarkshire Figure Skating Club have at least 60 kids in there alone.
"Then you've got all the youth ice hockey teams who use there. It's not like there isn't demand to use the rink. It gets kids in, it gets a lot of young females using it - are they going to use a soft play or activity area?
"There is already a gym and soft play as part of the building. This is taking away something that's unique."
Programs held at the rink include an early years introduction to ice skating, a figure skating junior academy, and five junior ice hockey teams.
Petition and Wider Reactions
Janet Maxwell, a committee member of the North Lanarkshire Figure Skating Club, has initiated a petition opposing the proposal.
"The rink is not just a leisure facility; it is a vital training ground that has helped develop local talent over many years.
"Skaters from this very rink have gone on to compete at high levels, including performances in Disney on Ice productions and other competitive achievements.
"Removing such a facility would not only disrupt current development pathways but would also significantly limit future opportunities for young people in the area."
The council report acknowledges that "those directly affected will include a significant proportion of young people within the ice hockey and ice-skating clubs," but notes these groups represent only about 10% of the facility's overall visitors.
Market analysis cited in the report suggests that introducing padel courts and activity areas aimed at families and young people would increase revenue, while also reducing costs associated with maintaining the rink's cold environment.
The Paisley Pirates ice hockey team, from outside Lanarkshire, also expressed dismay at the proposal.
"We are shocked to have been informed of the risk to the ice rink at the Time Capsule.
"The fact this is even being discussed is an absolute travesty. A rink which is in constant use with many local clubs - ice hockey, figure skating to name a few."
North Lanarkshire Council has been contacted for comment.
