Link Centre damage far worse than originally thought

A new update on the flood-damaged Link Centre has been issued by the organisation which runs the venue.

GLL says the damage to the centre is far worse than initially thought, and that it hopes to reopen the gym, fitness studio, soft play and trampoline park in November.

It hopes to reopen the swimming pool by the end of the year, but a longer repair period is expected for the ice rink, which is not only a key visitor attraction but the home rink of the Swindon Wildcats ice hockey team.

GLL issued a lengthy statement, saying: “We are working as hard as we can to reopen the Link Centre as soon as possible.

"However, the damage caused by the torrential flooding of the 17th and 18th September is far worse than we originally thought.  In addition to water damage and its impact on plant and machinery, the entire building remains without power. We recognise the huge impact this closure is having on the local community and sports clubs that use the Centre.  We are doing all we can to reopen safely, as soon as possible and if we can bring the estimated timelines forward, we will do so.

“Over the coming weeks the site will be decontaminated and made safe and a power supply to the building will be restored. Plant systems will be assessed and replacement parts ordered, to allow for the reinstatement of hot water, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to re-open the gym, fitness studios, soft play and trampoline park in November and the swimming pool before the end of the year and will communicate firm dates as soon as possible.

“We are also working in conjunction with specialist consultants on the reopening of the ice rink, however this is the most complex element and will take longer.  The flood water penetrated the ice rink itself and we believe the rink lighting and electrical circuits have been compromised.  The sand ice pad base will need to be replaced and only then can the ice rebuild begin.

“During this period of closure, leisure centre members are being given the option of using alternative GLL-operated leisure facilities within Swindon and neighbouring areas.  We have transferred nearly 200 pupils from our swim school at the Link to Dorcan Leisure Centre, with a further 100 spaces available to anyone who would like to move across.  We will also be relocating fitness classes to other locations where we can.

"Once again, we’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we tackle these very challenging circumstances.  We will be in touch with our members over the coming 24 hours to advise them of the options available to them.”