Wheels in motion for groundbreaking skate facility in Gainsborough

The wheels are in motion on exciting plans to establish a revolutionary new skating centre in Gainsborough with district council support.

The facility, which will be called SK8Z, is being developed and operated by Minority and Disability Sports Consulting Ltd and is to be located off Heapham Road.

The idea is based on a technology called the “off-ice” skate, which mimics the feel and techniques of ice skating without the need for a rink, and which initially attracted investment on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den.

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The skates have since been used by the stars of Dancing on Ice and former Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who used them to recreate their legendary Bolero routine in theatres and at the Royal Variety Performance.

SK8Z is the brainchild of Paralympian Matt Lloyd, who said: “It is a great honour to bring the first SK8Z facility to Gainsborough. The idea is that we are provide the experience of ice skating but at a comparatively low cost compared to a traditional skating facility.

“Anyone learning to skate at SK8Z will be able to skate on ice and the teaching system we are using, Skate Excellence, is exactly the same programme that is used in more than a third of the ice rinks across England.”

The centre will include a skating pad, café and car park and offer public skating sessions and lessons, as well as discos, birthday parties, schools’ programmes and adult only activities.

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SK8Z will also create approximately 30 jobs and it is hoped that the facility in Gainsborough will become the head office for a chain of similar facilities throughout the UK.

The facility has already secured the necessary planning permission and investment from West Lindsey District Council’s Gainsborough Growth Fund.

The fun was launched in 2014 to stimulate growth in local businesses and help create jobs. It gives businesses the initial boost they need to seek additional private sector funding.

Councillor Sheila Bibb said: “We are delighted to be able to support this project. The facility will provide a much needed leisure facility for the town as well as creating new jobs and investment. On behalf of the council I wish the venture well in its endeavour.”

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SK8Z is expected to in OCtober, with the exact date still to be confirmed. Opening hours will will be 9am to 10pm, seven days a week.

To keep up to date with the latest developments, visit www.sk8z.co.uk, follow on Twitter @SK8Z_UK, or Facebook at www.facebook.com/sk8zrinks.

To find out more about the fund contact the growth team on 01427 676 635 or email [email protected].