Just found this on the Hastings observer website http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/newshastings/Facebook-campaign-to-reinstate-ice.4532119.jp
Used 8 of my pics sneaky buggers
26 September 2008
Pictures of a faded seafront attraction
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26 September 2008
By Chrissie Daniels
AN online group with hundreds of members is calling on the council to bring back Hastings ice rink which has lain derelict for more than a decade.
But so far all they are getting is a frosty response to the idea.
The former White Rock rink closed down in 1997 and has been a deserted eyesore on the town's seafront ever since.
A 'Bring Back Hastings Ice Rink' group on social networking site Facebook is demanding its return, and has recruited over 800 members with more joining every day.
Originally opened in 1874 as White Rock Baths, the building then became a cinema and finally an ice rink.
The nearest ice rink to Hastings is Gillingham, which is over a two-hour round trip.
Many people have left angry comments on the Facebook website, accusing the council of not doing enough.
Naomi Kilby said: "Bring it back! It was the best place to hang out on a Saturday afternoon as a teenager."
Caroline Dunmall wrote: "Hastings kids are missing out!"
The rink holds more poignant memories for some people. Marie Appleton wrote: "I had my first date at the ice rink with my husband."
Alleged plans to turn the rink into a car park have been slated, with Sarah Goldsack McWilliams saying: "Turning it into a carpark? What an absolute shame!
"Can't believe Hastings Council has let it get into the state on the photos! Regenerate the Ice Rink! It's exactly what the town needs, not another car park!"
However parking proposals have been dismissed by the council.
A council spokesman said: "The former White Rock Baths is actually now owned by the Foreshore Trust, although Hastings Borough Council still caretakes it. It is in extremely poor condition inside, with the slowly rotting remains of two swimming pools, and the rusting remains of the pumping and ice-making equipment.
"It would need a lot of money spent on stripping out the materials and a lot more on converting it for alternative use. A number of serious leisure operators and consultants have looked around the baths over the past ten years. All have said that the costs involved in making the site useable again are significantly higher than developing alternative brownfield or greenfield sites in the town. As far as we know there are no plans to turn it into a car park.
"There is a motion to install an ice rink in the town each winter and this will be discussed by members at the Cabinet meeting in November."
The full article contains 427 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
Used 8 of my pics sneaky buggers
26 September 2008
Pictures of a faded seafront attraction
« Previous
« Previous1 2Next » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date:
26 September 2008
By Chrissie Daniels
AN online group with hundreds of members is calling on the council to bring back Hastings ice rink which has lain derelict for more than a decade.
But so far all they are getting is a frosty response to the idea.
The former White Rock rink closed down in 1997 and has been a deserted eyesore on the town's seafront ever since.
A 'Bring Back Hastings Ice Rink' group on social networking site Facebook is demanding its return, and has recruited over 800 members with more joining every day.
Originally opened in 1874 as White Rock Baths, the building then became a cinema and finally an ice rink.
The nearest ice rink to Hastings is Gillingham, which is over a two-hour round trip.
Many people have left angry comments on the Facebook website, accusing the council of not doing enough.
Naomi Kilby said: "Bring it back! It was the best place to hang out on a Saturday afternoon as a teenager."
Caroline Dunmall wrote: "Hastings kids are missing out!"
The rink holds more poignant memories for some people. Marie Appleton wrote: "I had my first date at the ice rink with my husband."
Alleged plans to turn the rink into a car park have been slated, with Sarah Goldsack McWilliams saying: "Turning it into a carpark? What an absolute shame!
"Can't believe Hastings Council has let it get into the state on the photos! Regenerate the Ice Rink! It's exactly what the town needs, not another car park!"
However parking proposals have been dismissed by the council.
A council spokesman said: "The former White Rock Baths is actually now owned by the Foreshore Trust, although Hastings Borough Council still caretakes it. It is in extremely poor condition inside, with the slowly rotting remains of two swimming pools, and the rusting remains of the pumping and ice-making equipment.
"It would need a lot of money spent on stripping out the materials and a lot more on converting it for alternative use. A number of serious leisure operators and consultants have looked around the baths over the past ten years. All have said that the costs involved in making the site useable again are significantly higher than developing alternative brownfield or greenfield sites in the town. As far as we know there are no plans to turn it into a car park.
"There is a motion to install an ice rink in the town each winter and this will be discussed by members at the Cabinet meeting in November."
The full article contains 427 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
