SAVE OUR ICE RINK

 

The future of the Ice Rink at The Time Capsule, Coatbridge is under serious threat, with proposals to replace it with a play area. Its loss would have a profound impact on hundreds of young people and the wider community who rely on this facility.

This rink is home to a wide range of ice sports and community programmes, including:

 

North Lanarkshire Figure Skating Club
Lanarkshire Lightning Ice Hockey Club
Coatbridge Coyotes Ice Hockey Club
Redwings Ice Hockey Club
Starlight Synchro Skating Club
Inclusive Skating

 

It supports a broad and vital pathway for participation and development, including:

 

Skate UK learn-to-skate programme
Snowbabies (early years introduction to ice skating)
Figure Skating Junior Academy
5 junior hockey teams
Learn-to-play hockey programmes
Recreational teams and adult leagues
Adult skills classes and weekly drop-in sessions

 

For all who use it, the rink is far more than a place to train. It is where young people develop into confident, disciplined, and resilient individuals. It provides structure, purpose, and a strong sense of belonging. Through sport, they learn commitment, build friendships, and develop the work ethic and determination that will stay with them for life.

 

The Ice Rink at The Time Capsule has played a crucial role in supporting generations of skaters and athletes. Many have gone on to represent Scotland at national and international level, while others have achieved the remarkable milestone of performing professionally in shows such as Disney on Ice.

Importantly, some of the current young figure skaters training at this rink are members of the Team GB Figure Skating Development Squad, demonstrating the high-performance pathway that exists within this facility. These achievements are not by chance they are the result of consistent access to a dedicated rink, quality coaching, and a supportive community environment. Without this rink, those pathways simply disappear.

 

The rink is also home to Inclusive Skating, a vital programme established in 2014. For many participants, mainstream ice rinks are not accessible, making this facility essential. It provides a unique and supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can participate and progress, with pathways to opportunities such as the Special Olympics and future Paralympic development. Without access to this rink, these opportunities will be lost.

 

Beyond competition, the rink offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages and abilities can take part, improve, and feel part of something positive. It is a place where confidence is built not just performance and where physical and mental wellbeing are actively supported.

 

Closing the Ice Rink would remove far more than a sports facility. It would take away opportunities at every level from first steps on the ice through to elite performance disrupt lives, and dismantle a vital community asset that plays a key role in youth development across North Lanarkshire.

 

We are calling on local decision-makers to recognise the importance of this facility and to work collaboratively with clubs and the community to find a sustainable way forward. Whether through funding partnerships, community initiatives, or alternative solutions, every avenue must be explored before such an important asset is lost.

 

Please support this petition and help protect the future of ice sports at The Time Capsule. Your voice can help safeguard a space that means so much to so many.

 

Additional to your signature, support the retention of the ice rink, by emailing Communities Committee directly. Correspondence sent to the committee is formally recorded and considered as part of the decision-making process ahead of the meeting on 27th April.

 
Email: committee@northlan.gov.uk

Subject: Save Time Capsule Ice Rink

Address to: Members of the Communities Committee

 

You may also wish to copy in committee members:

 

woodsge@northlan.gov.uk

reddinj@northlan.gov.uk

barclaycl@northlan.gov.uk

beveridgeal@northlan.gov.uk

burgessb@northlan.gov.uk

cairnsjos@northlan.gov.uk

duffyken@northlan.gov.uk

dunbarh@northlan.gov.uk

fotheringhamf@northlan.gov.uk

goldiew@northlan.gov.uk

harmonk@northlan.gov.uk

jonesj@northlan.gov.uk

keltiej@northlan.gov.uk

leckiejoh@northlan.gov.uk

mcbridemi@northlanarkshire.gov.uk

mccullochba@northlan.gov.uk

mcdadepe@northlan.gov.uk

mitchellles@northlan.gov.uk

shevlinn@northlan.gov.uk

smithada@northlan.gov.uk

tonerja@northlan.gov.uk

 

It is also important to raise this matter directly with Fulton McGregor (MP) to ensure it is being actively challenged and represented