Imagine a city without its beating heart of ice sports and community events. The Inverness Ice Centre, a hub for thousands, faces a crucial £250k appeal to secure its next few decades. They’ve battled soaring energy costs and developed an innovative plan, but what does the future truly hold for this cherished facility?
The beating heart of ice sports and community activity in the Highland capital faces a pivotal moment, as a crucial £250,000 funding appeal is launched to secure its future for decades to come. While a short-term reprieve was achieved earlier this year, the Inverness Ice Centre is now seeking vital investment to ensure its long-term sustainability, an essential step for an asset used by an estimated 70,000 people annually.
The facility, a cornerstone for various ice sports and a vibrant hub for numerous local groups, is increasingly valuable, especially with the recent closure of the Spectrum Centre, another cherished community asset. Its importance to the region cannot be overstated, providing a crucial space for recreation, training, and social gatherings in an area often limited by weather conditions.
Immediately following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Inverness Ice Centre grappled with an unprecedented financial crisis, witnessing its energy costs skyrocket to nearly £1,000 per day. This dramatic surge placed immense strain on its finances, prompting the dedicated team to devise an urgent recovery strategy to keep the doors open and lights on for the community.
In response to these dire challenges, chief executive Gordon Barron and chairman Michael Green spearheaded a comprehensive recovery plan in May. This included successfully securing a £150,000 loan from Social Investment Scotland, a critical injection of funds that provided immediate relief and allowed the facility to continue its operations while exploring longer-term solutions.
Further strategic measures saw the charity actively negotiate a more favourable energy tariff with its supplier, npower, a move expected to significantly reduce operational costs from October. This proactive approach underscores the centre’s commitment to financial prudence and its determination to build a resilient and sustainable future for its diverse user base.
Beyond its primary function as an ice facility, the centre has ingeniously diversified its income streams, transforming into a versatile venue for a range of events. From hosting thrilling boxing matches and lively music gigs to becoming the city’s fanzone during Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign, it demonstrates a dynamic business model adaptable to community needs and commercial opportunities.
The leadership firmly believes that a hybrid model—operating as an ice centre for seven months and a vibrant events venue for five months—offers a viable path forward. This innovative strategy capitalizes on both its core identity and its capacity to host diverse activities, ensuring it remains an invaluable “wet weather facility” for the Highlands, preventing the immense loss of vital ice hockey, curling, and skating opportunities for generations to come. The appeal for £250,000 is not just about keeping a building open; it’s about preserving a cornerstone of Highland community life.
