The former Ayr Ice Rink in Limekiln Road is set to reopen as a multi-sport facility and wellness centre, with the first phase—four padel courts—expected to be ready by late next month, pending Building Control sign-off.
Owners Await Building Control Approval
On their social media page, owners Level 7 Padel said: “We’re currently awaiting Building Control sign-off before we can officially open our padel courts. We’re on track to be ready by late August, and we’re hoping the council can accommodate the sign-off around then. We’ll keep you posted.”
Redevelopment in Four Phases
The redevelopment of the venue involves four phases, with the opening of the padel courts being the first. The ice rink had been dormant since it went on the market in late September 2023, ending nearly 50 years of ice sports in Ayr.
Previous Closure and Community Response
The rink closed in June 2023 after owners Ayrshire Curlers Ltd blamed an “unprecedented hike in energy costs.” The closure prompted a Save Ayr Ice Rink Facebook page, backed by GB figure skating legend Christopher Dean, and a petition that gathered over 12,500 signatures. Attempts by Glasgow Ice Centre, in partnership with Scottish Curling and local skating clubs, to purchase the venue failed. The site was eventually sold in August last year for a guide price of £350,000 through Shepherd Chartered Surveyors.
