An empty unit at Basingstoke Leisure Park is set to get a new lease of life as part of a major refurbishment of Basingstoke ice rink.

Planet Ice is finalising work at Basingstoke ice rink, before it can reopen as part of a gradual reopening in line with the first phase of refurbishment work to secure the future of the facility.

To ensure the rink remains a key regional draw for skaters and ice hockey fans, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has granted a new lease for the empty unit next to the rink to Nice Leisure Limited to enhance its food and drink offer for visitors. The unit was previously occupied by Little Frankie’s and has been empty since June 2021.

The move follows an agreement reached in December 2024 which saw Nice Leisure Limited taking over ownership of the long-term lease for the ice rink.

The deal for the new lease is part of the council’s work to improve existing facilities and attract new operators to bring more leisure activities to Basingstoke Leisure Park.

The borough council’s Leader Cllr Paul Harvey said: “We know how important the ice rink is to skaters, fans and the wider ice community in the borough. After years of uncertainty, it is fantastic that the first phase of refurbishment work is nearing completion to secure its future as part of Planet Ice’s commitment to the much-loved facility.

“To help them deliver their future vision for the ice rink, we have agreed a lease for the neighbouring empty unit to ensure the ice rink is a key regional attraction for years to come.”