The province’s only ice rink is set to open in less than a year Equipment has been imported from Canada and Europe for the construction of the high-tech facility, which will host shows and tournaments.
The province’s only ice rink is set to open in less than a year Equipment has been imported from Canada and Europe for the construction of the high-tech facility, which will host shows and tournaments.
Construction of the ice rink at the R1.7 billion Baywest super regional mall in Port Elizabeth is forging ahead, in time for its official opening on 19 March 2015.
Port Elizabeth (and the Eastern Cape) will get an ice-rink for the first time since the 1990s, after the Jadene Ice Rink which was situated at the old Tramways Building, near the Port Elizabeth Harbour, was shut down.
Baywest Managing Director, Gavin Blows, said construction of the arena was progressing “magnificently”.
The development of the structure has started, but the actual throwing of the ice will only take place shortly before the mall opens, he said.
Developers, Abacus Asset Management and Billion Group, intend to bring a retail and entertainment experience which has never before been seen in the Eastern Cape.
The new sports resource will be located in the Baywest Mall Fun Factory, alongside Ster-Kinekor cinemas, a bowling alley, and a games arcade. The new rink is expected to be of a high quality and will reportedly offer visitors a unique entertainment experience.
“The ice rink is set to the best in the country, designed by specialists BAU Design and will meet international standards," Blows said. "The latest high-tech equipment has been imported from Canada and Europe for the construction of the facility, from the ice-making equipment, barrier boards, the ice-resurfacing machine and even the ice skates. It will be operated by Tri-Ice Sports, which is experienced in operating other rinks around South Africa."
The ice arena will be a standard “North American” size at 2,500m² and will function as a venue for skating shows.
The facility will allow ice-skating enthusiasts of all ages to form skating clubs and use the rink for tournaments and practice sessions. Bowls said having an ice rink also means that families can be entertained together. Alternatively, parents can enjoy the mall’s retail offerings, while their children are skating in a secure environment.
With the outer structure of the mall almost complete and the roof expected to be complete in August, the commencement of the interior of the mall will be started towards the end of this year, Blows said.
