Wembley ice rink scrapped during build

Slow sales forced organisers of ICExperience, due to run at Wembley Stadium from December 11 to January 3, to cancel a week before opening.

The Times reported just 6,000 tickets were purchased in advance, making the event financially unviable.

Wembley is one of several rinks to be cancelled this year. The Greenwich Foundation pulled its site at the Old Royal Naval College, citing increased competition. Kew Gardens, which has typically attracted more than 300,000 skaters each season since 2003, is also off. Meanwhile a rink slated for Parklife Oxford Street failed to get off the ground.

The Structure Group (TSG) had completed the installation of a 3,000sq m level base for the ice rink at Wembley, some 420m around the pitch, when the decision was taken. A challenging build, it included two entrance/exit ramps, a refuge area, nursery rink and several viewing areas, and was completed half a day ahead of schedule in 35 hours.

"In restrictive conditions we pulled off the most challenging job we've had this year," project director Rob Page said. "We were disappointed to learn that the rink would not open, but it was a privilege to work with Stage Electrics and the team from Wembley."

"Hopefully we'll get chance to go back next year and do it again," he added.

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