Our family-friendly ice rink came to Charter Square from the 14th December 2023 – 3rd January 2024!
The free synthetic ice skating rink was perfect for beginners and required no booking, offering visitors a 30-minute session!
The ice rink was a joint effort by arc Shopping Centre, Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury St Edmunds Town Council, and the West Suffolk Council Levelling Up Fund.
Allan Hassell, arc centre manager, thanked the partnerships for their ‘generous support in bringing this marvellous attraction to the town’.
“Not only were we able to raise an incredible sum for Gatehouse, we were able to provide the town with a free, family-friendly activity at a time of year when everyone is feeling the pressure,” he said.
Through a combination of private hire, card transactions, and cash donations, the ice rink raised £2,500 for Gatehouse Home Store and Food Bank, which helps those who are most vulnerable.
Amanda Bloomfield, of Gatehouse, said: “I’d like to thank all those who made donations to Gatehouse. The ice rink was a lovely family activity.
“The donations will go towards our services to the community, helping to relieve poverty through practical and emotional support, providing a safe space for people to meet, make friends and reduce isolation.
“I’d also like to thank the team at arc for all its fund-raising in 2023, making a significant difference to those we help.”
Mark Cordell, at Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: “Bringing a free-to-use ice rink to the town for the festive period was the result of positive partnership work in order to attract people to the town centre but allowing them to spend their money with our businesses, rather than on entertainment, during this cost of living crisis.
