The company, which has experience in building temporary ice rinks for Christmas, was brought in by Lambeth Council after nearby Streatham’s ice skating arena closed for redevelopment.
The 2,500sqm structure took five months to build and incorporates changing rooms, offices, a reception, café, storage and maintenance areas, toilets and spectator viewing for 160 people.
It opened just before Christmas and is expected to be in place for the next two years, providing an alternative facility for skaters in South London.
Specialist Dutch company Ice World International provided the international-standard ice bed, while day-to-management is being led by Planet Ice and the existing management, staff and on-ice coaches from Streatham.
The venue has already attracted the attention of celebrities from ITV’s Dancing on Ice programme, who have been practicing their routines at the rink.
Ice rink head coach and four-times British, European and World Ice Dance Champion Diane Towler-Green said the new facility is one of the best in the UK.
"At first we were worried about moving here because we were concerned about how small the site was and the level of facilities that could be provided but it’s absolutely amazing, fantastic – we love it!
"The ice is very good and the facilities are marvellous. You can’t fault it. In fact it is one of the best rinks we have been to and this is even more amazing when you consider how quickly it was built. It’s an unbelievable achievement," she commented.
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