North Lanarkshire Council delays decision over future of Time Capsule ice rink as SNP bid to block closure

A decision over the future of a popular ice rink in North Lanarkshire has been delayed.

Proposals had been launched to replace the rink at the Time Capsule in Coatbridge with a soft play and padel courts.

The proposals would see the local authority use £2.6m of investment, approved in February, to redevelop the leisure centre in a bid to improve footfall.

It comes as the Time Capsule reported an 8.6% drop in footfall between 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, resulting in a £213,962 shortfall.

On Monday, STV News reported that the future of the ice rink was to be decided at a council communities committee meeting on Monday, April 27.

However, North Lanarkshire Council has now confirmed “no decision” will be made on the ice rink’s future at next week’s meeting.

The council now insist there must be a “thorough and balanced assessment of all options” before a decision can be made regarding plans for the facility.

Communities convener councillor Geraldine Woods said: “This report sets out a range of possible ways to enhance the offer at The Time Capsule and improve its long-term sustainability.

“However, it is entirely appropriate that councillors are given the time and space to fully review the information presented to them and consider feedback from groups and stakeholders before making any decisions.

“This is a significant decision to invest £2.5m into The Time Capsule, and it must be informed by a thorough and balanced assessment of all options, as well as the views of those who use and value the facility.”

Michele Harvey, who is a parent to two Lanarkshire Lightning Junior Ice Hockey Club members, previously told STV News the potential closure could see children facing a 150-mile round trip to continue to skate and play hockey.

The concerned parent stressed that scrapping the ice rink would impact more than 150 young skaters and hockey players.

The decision to delay the vote over the ice rink’s future comes after SNP councillors tabled an amendment to block the closure.

The Time Capsule, which opened in 1991, currently includes a water park, a soft play area, a gym and an ice rink, which is currently used by three hockey teams, synchronised skating and figure skating clubs, and an inclusive group.