- Link Centre
Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Link Centre
nickname =
caption =
location =Swindon ,England
coordinates =
broke_ground = 1983
opened = 1984
renovated =
expanded =
closed =
demolished =
owner = Swindon Borough Council
operator =
surface = Various
construction_cost = £9-11 million (est)
architect = KP Parry
(Thamesdown Borough Council)
project_manager =
main_contractors =
former_names =
tenants =Swindon Wildcats (Ice Hockey)
Swindon Panthers (Ice Hockey)
Swindon Sonics (Basketball)
seating_capacity = 6000
dimensions =Roofed area 8760 sq. metres
Height of roof 11.3 m
Height to mast top 22.6 m
Internal floor area 12,500 sq. metres
Rink size 56 m x 26 mThe Link Centre is a leisure centre in
Swindon ,England . The building was designed to be as energy efficient as possible with heat generated by the ice rink refrigeration system being used to warm its internal areas.Swindon Wildcats , anEnglish Premier Ice Hockey League team, use theice rink and facilities for their home games. It also contains the largestclimbing wall inWiltshire .Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/5159636.stm|title=Flood closes town leisure centre|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=BBC News |date=2006-07-07]History
The centre was first commissioned by Thamesdown Borough Council (later renamed Swindon Borough Council) in 1970 to provide leisure and social facilities for an estimated West Swindon population of 50,000. Design was undertaken in-house under chief
architect K P Sherry and work began on the site in 1983.The space-age, multi-axial design incorporating an Ice Rink, Swimming pool and other facilities opened in April 1985, received an estimated 1 million visitors in its first year of operation and "won awards and favourable mentions in architectural circles."Cite web|url=http://archive.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/2001/9/11/209459.html|title=Shaping up to controversy|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=
Swindon Advertiser |date=2001-09-11]"The complex, designed to provide facilities for more than 20 sports and leisure activities, was described in architectural and sports journals as the most comprehensive development of its kind in Britain. Among the early visitors who came to Swindon specially to see it was Richard Tracey, who was Sports Minister in Margaret Thatcher's government."Cite web|url=http://archive.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/2001/9/11/209459.html|title=Shaping up to controversy|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=
Swindon Advertiser |date=2001-09-11]The £2million pound Ice Rink was praised on completion but local residents were unhappy that the swimming pool, at only 25 metres long, was not of competition standard.Cite web|url=http://archive.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/2001/9/11/209459.html|title=Shaping up to controversy|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=
Swindon Advertiser |date=2001-09-11]In 2003, the centre was closed following the finding of the
legionella bacteria in the water cooling system.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/3292715.stm|title=Legionella bacteria found in Swindon|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=BBC News |date=2003-12-04] This bacteria, found during a routine test, is the cause ofLegionnaires' disease . The Link Centre re-opened following a full sterilisation of the water supply.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/3295683.stm|title=Centre reopens after bug find|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=BBC News |date=2003-12-05] In 2006 the metal-exterior centre was closed by a major electrical fault caused by an internal flood.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/5159636.stm|title=Flood closes town leisure centre|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=BBC News |date=2006-07-07]Facilities
* Ice rink:The international-sized ice pad at the Link Centre is recognised as a "Centre of Excellence" for both figure skating and ice hockey. it is an approved national centre for squad training for the
National Ice Skating Association andBritish Ice Hockey Association s, it is also a NISA approved regional test centre.Cite web|url=http://www.swindononline.co.uk/leisuresport/link/iceskating.htm|title=Ice Rink|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=Swindon Borough Council|work=Leisure and Sport]
* Health Suite:Including a purpose-built Sauna, Steam Rooms and Relaxation Area
* 25 m deck level swimming pool
* Gym
* Climbing wall:'The Ridge' climbing wall provides over 120 possible climbs up to 9 m high, spread across four different walls.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/entertainment/days_out/rock_climbing.shtml|title=Climbing the walls|accessdate=2007-05-15|publisher=BBC ]
* Multi-purpose sports hall (eight-court)
* Squash courts
* Snooker hall
* LibraryTenants
*
Swindon Wildcats - senior men's Ice Hockey team
*Swindon Topcats - ladies' ice hockey team
* Swindon Panthers - recreational teamtephen Hill's Funfair
The centre is also home to many public events, including Stephen Hill's funfair. It is the biggest funfair that comes to Swindon, featuring many thrill rides and is very popular with people of all ages. However it has had some complaints from neighbours who are distressed and disturbed by the amount of noise the funfair creates. Also, attacks have been reported there, including an incident with a 13 year old girl being beaten up by a gang, whilst 30 people watched on. But this problem has been addressed and police are now patrolling the site whilst the funfair is in progress. It would have seemed that with the new football pitches being built the funfair wouldn't be able to operate in a correct manner, however the fair can still fit in many big rides including Vertigo, The Waltzers, Tagada & Miami Trip 3 which is Stephen Hill's own. The fair comes to Swindon firstly around March and secondly around September. Each time the fair is presented, new rides and attractions are joined to the roster to keep the public entertained.
References
External links
* [http://www.swindononline.co.uk/leisuresport/link.htm Official site]
* [http://www.swindononline.co.uk/leisuresport/link/theridgeclimbingwall.htm The Ridge Climbing Wall]
* [http://www.swindonweb.com/guid/linkcentre.htm The Link Centre] - SwindonWeb.com
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