Sir Edward Leigh, the Member of Parliament for Gainsborough has today opened the country's first ‘off-ice’ skating facility.

Following extensive refurbishment and building work, a former warehouse building located off Heapham Road in Gainsborough town centre has been transformed to offer a state of the art skating rink. SK8Z utilises “off-ice” skates, specially designed to give visitors the ability to skate, just like they would on an ice rink, but without the need for ice pad facilities.

With all the building work completed, the rink boards, lighting and sound equipment all in place and the café facility finished, SK8z has been opened to the public by the veteran MP. The centre will have a full seven-day programme of activities including parent and toddler sessions, public skating, learn to skate sessions and discos for varying age groups.

Paralympian Matt Lloyd, and owner of the new SK8z rink, said:

“It is fantastic to see the transformation made to the building and to have a finished rink in such a quick period of time, something which is a testament to the hard work put in by the whole SK8z team.

“We are proud to be offering the community this facility to boost the leisure opportunities available in Gainsborough.”

Professional ice hockey player Andre Payette has been appointed the rink’s new general manager. He said:

“We’re delighted with the response we’ve already received on social media with a real buzz around the facility’s opening later this week. We can’t wait to welcome the public for their first skate.”

Sir Edward commented:

“I am delighted to have been invited to officially open this facility, I think it will be a great asset to Gainsborough and the wider area. I wish Matt a nd the team at SK8z every success in making this all it can be.”

Cllr. Roger Patterson, the Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, attended the opening said:

“It's been fantastic fun to be at the opening today of SK8z in Gainsborough. It's was pleasing to meet the staff many of whom have been drawn from the local area. On the ice I don't think I was quite up to Torvill and Dean's standard, but I met some lovely people and the staff. It was also good to see children from the Trent Valley Academy having fun on the rink. If you are looking for something fun to do as a family I say get down to SK8z in Gainsborough, it's fantastic fun!”