Sheffield skating rink reveals reopening plans as it asks for public support

A long-running skating rink in Sheffield has announced its plans to reopen and called on the public to help get things rolling again.
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Skate Central, on Queens Road, just outside the city centre, has been running since 1965 – initially as Silver Blades when it housed an ice rink – and remains popular with roller skaters from across Sheffield and beyond.

It has been closed since March, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Government has said it is unlikely such indoor leisure venues will be able to open before July 4 at the earliest.

Skate Central roller skating rink on Queens Road in Sheffield (pic: Google)Skate Central roller skating rink on Queens Road in Sheffield (pic: Google)
Skate Central roller skating rink on Queens Road in Sheffield (pic: Google)
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But the venue has unveiled ambitious plans to ‘bring back the buzz’, once it gets the green light to resume business, which includes offering every key worker a free skating pass, installing a mobility lift to improve disabled access and refurbishing the building.

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It is asking for donations of between £5 and £50 in return for gifts including free skating passes, cut-price children’s parties and advertising opportunities.

“Unfortunately we’ve found ourselves in the increasingly difficult position of getting the doors back open when the time comes. This is due to having a rateable value over £51,000 so we are unable to access government grants,” it said.

“With your help we want to keep this Sheffield landmark and one of Sheffield’s oldest leisure facilities alive and kicking for future generations to have fun and keep fit. With this in mind, we also want to give back to our heroes – the key workers – and offer them a fun experience when out of lockdown.”