Stevenston’s newest sports facility, the new £3.9m state-of-the-art ice rink where local stars will hone their skills and develop their talents has been officially opened.

Shona Robison, the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport cut the ribbon at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre alongside some of North Ayrshire most promising figure skaters, curlers, ice hockey players and speed skaters.

Ms Robison was joined by the Provost of North Ayrshire, Councillor Pat McPhee, the Chair of sportscotland Louise Martin CBE and representatives from the local ice clubs for the opening of the new facility - one of the largest in the west of Scotland.

North Ayrshire Council embarked on a major £3.9m overhaul of the ice rink at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre, Stevenston in April 2010 with £300,000 of the total funding coming from sportscotland. 

The new facility replaces the former ‘fun rink’ at Auchenharvie – a kidney-shaped multi level rink which offered little flexibility for sports clubs – and the smaller facility at the Magnum Leisure Centre in Irvine.

Just a few metres short of an Olympic sized rink, the new 56m x 30m facility is complimented by 360 degree protective glazing, two team dugouts, a designated spectator seating area, four flexible team changing areas.

With the Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics and other major sporting events on the horizon, it is hoped that the purpose-built rink will not only be a draw for social skaters but will also give talented youngsters the high quality facilities they need to be on top of their game.

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving sports facilities across Scotland and through sportscotland have invested £300,000 in this facility. I am delighted to be here to officially open the ice rink and see the end product of that funding first hand.

As part of the official opening event, invited guests were treated to a demonstration on the ice from a variety of local groups who were instrumental in the design of the new facility.

Provost of North Ayrshire, Councillor Pat McPhee, said: “The fantastic new facility at Auchenharvie Leisure Centre replaces a 22-year-old rink which, although popular with social skaters, offered very little opportunity for local clubs to train and develop.

“The Commonwealth Games and other major sporting events are fast approaching and here at North Ayrshire Council, we are working with our partners to create a legacy from this and other major event where everybody is active, involved and inspired.

sportscotland Chair, Louise Martin CBE added: “By expanding the size of the rink, Auchenharvie is now able to host local and regional level ice hockey, ice dance, figure skating and speed skating competitions; as well as allowing club membership to increase. The curling community have also benefited from the inclusion of an additional lane, which will help to support the development of local clubs.”

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