Support for new rink
SUPPORT for Alexandra’s proposed new twolane ice rink is growing.
The Alexandra Clyde and Districts Business Group hosted a meeting to discuss the concept yesterday morning, which was attended by about 40 people.
Two new indoor curling lanes have been mooted for Alexandra’s Iceinline complex to help meet demand.
A roof was also planned to go over the existing rink.
The World Curling Federation has agreed to help fund part of the project with an interestfree loan of $100,000, on the provision the new lanes are used for curling only.
To meet that requirement, the new ice rink would be exclusively for curling, while ice hockey, curling and ice skating will take place on the existing rink.
Iceinline committee member Earnscy Weaver said $300,000 was needed for the first stage of the project.
To help meet part of that $200,000 shortfall, the committee has called on the Central Otago Community Trust.
Mr Weaver said the response had been positive.
‘‘There will still be a significant gap to fill’’.
He said when the existing rink was built, support was received in a range of ways from local businesses, including cement provided at cost and tradies giving their time to the project.
‘‘If we can get that sort of interest running again, to do this, it will be great because it will be good for the town and the wider district.’’
Mr Weaver said the project was not designed to be in competition with Naseby’s world class curling rink.
Curlers who spoke at the meeting, said they believed improved curling facilities at Alexandra would only better the sport and be an asset to the community.
Business group chairman Barry Hambleton said the next stage was to ‘‘think how we can help these people’’.