Open Letter Regarding Time Capsule Ice Rink
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
24/04/26
British Ice Skating has written to North Lanarkshire council to express our concerns regarding the proposed closure of the Time Capsule ice rink in Coatbridge.
The letter can be found in full below. Concerned about the proposed closure? A petition to save the ice rink has also been launched that you can sign:
Open Letter to North Lanarkshire Council Re: The Future of the Time Capsule Ice Rink, Coatbridge
Dear Councillors,
On behalf of British Ice Skating, we are writing to express our concern regarding the proposed closure of the ice rink at the Time Capsule in Coatbridge, and to contribute constructively to the ongoing discussion about its future.
We welcome the Council’s decision to delay any immediate determination and to allow for a more thorough and balanced assessment of the available options. This is a significant decision with long-term implications, and it is right that it is informed by full consideration of stakeholder views and community impact.
British ice skating is currently experiencing renewed success on the international stage, with athletes such as Niall Treacy, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson achieving some of the country’s strongest results in decades. This progress reflects a growing sport, underpinned by access to local facilities that enable participation and development from grassroots through to elite level.
The Time Capsule rink plays a vital role in this pathway. It supports a wide range of users, from figure skaters to synchronised skating teams and ice hockey teams, with a high teenage and adult female participation rate as well as provision for demographics that research has identified as ‘hard to reach’ to engage in physical activity.
These groups represent not only participation pathways but also social and developmental opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities. The removal of a facility such as this has implications not only locally, but across the wider ecosystem of the sport in Scotland and the UK.
We would respectfully suggest that further evidence could support a fully informed decision, including:
The economic and social value generated by ice sports participation at the facility
A review of the current operating model, including consideration of changes that could be made to grow participation or improve viability
The long-term impact on participation pathways and talent development
We would welcome a clearer understanding of what consultation and research has already been conducted, and would be pleased to support the Council in exploring sustainable solutions that retain ice provision while addressing financial challenges.
In closing, we reiterate our appreciation for the decision to review the situation carefully. We strongly encourage continued engagement with clubs, users, and governing bodies to ensure that any outcome reflects both the needs of the community and the long-term future of sport and physical activity in North Lanarkshire.
In the interests of transparency this letter will also be shared with the British Ice Skating community and published publicly.
Yours sincerely, Maggie Still CEO British Ice SkatingÂ
Petition: Save The Time Capsule Ice Rink