Council cool about refrigeration delivery to ice arena
25/06/09
The latest stage in the refurbishment of Aberdeen's Linx Ice Arena is now underway with the new refrigeration plant being delivered to the site at the Beach Promenade tomorrow [Thursday, 25 June].
Four small air handling condensers will be craned in first, followed by the main refrigeration plant then finally the two larger condensers. Installation will begin on Thursday afternoon.
The ice arena is currently closed to allow major refurbishment of the building infrastructure.
The venue will re-open in time for the European Curling Championships, being held in Aberdeen in partnership with Curl Aberdeen. The event will take place from 5 – 12 December 2009.
A report went to Full Council back last month [May] which explained that the council had committed £1million from the Non Housing Capital Programme in 2008/09 for the Linx Ice Arena in order to invest in the replacement of the refrigeration plant an the plexiglass surrounding the ice rink, as well as upgrades to the power system and other improvements to the fabric of the venue. The report highlighted that the costs of the refrigeration plant has increased and that other works had been re-scoped to enable the arena re-open on schedule, in good order and as cost effectively as possible.
The report highlighted other works identified which included the replacement of the plexiglass surrounding the ice rink, energy efficient measures, replacement floor coverings and ceiling repairs. These were deemed to be essential works prior to the opening and were estimated to cost £367,850 in total.
The report concluded that a number of specific items had been identified to contribute towards an offset of the costs, which included sourcing advertising at the arena and opportunities arising from the forthcoming European Curling Championships.
The council approved the additional works to the value of £367,850 to be funded from the Non Housing Capital Programme 2009/10.
To date the bulk of equipment has been stripped out and the bulk of pipe and electrical services have been removed. Key brine pipework has been completed and the new installation has been pressure tested. The new header pipework along with the ice pad pipework is maintaining pressure without any pressure loss.
The plexiglass surrounding the ice which is required for health and safety reasons has been replaced.
Other facilities available once the ice arena reopens will include an ice pad, café, and skate sharpening service, occasional bar and in - line skate hire.
Issue of quotes and tenders for Barrier Repairs, Hockey Shield Replacement and New Floor Finishes is imminent.
Tenders are also about to be issued to cover the work to be carried out on the mechanical and electrical installations. This work includes repairs to the existing mechanical system and new energy saving measures.
Aberdeen City Councillor Jennifer Stewart, spokesperson for culture and sport said: "We are delighted with the progress made to date at the Linx Ice Arena and are thrilled that the arena will re-open in time for the European Curling Championships in December.
"The arena will be a fantastic venue for the people of Aberdeen to enjoy indeed it is bound to attract visitors from afar to enjoy the facilities."
Dr. Andy Pearson, managing director, of Glasgow-based Star Refrigeration said: "We are pleased to be able to continue our connection with the Linx Arena and the curling community in Aberdeen by supplying the new equipment to run the ice rink.
"The new chiller is very environmentally friendly. It is designed to be as efficient as possible and it uses a refrigerant which has no effect on the ozone layer or climate change.
"We are looking forward to the European Curling Championships in December which will be played on ice serviced by Star, both at the Linx Ice Arena and at Curl Aberdeen.
"Our local office in Dyce is well-placed to provide expert support to iceman Mark Shurek in the run up to the championships".
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
