Slough's ice arena is taking shape – as the timber clad and glass frontage to the new extension nears completion.

It adds an extra 1,000m2 to the old rink which has also been completely refurbished.

The two-storey extension will house the new entrance, reception, café, gym and climbing wall with clip ‘n’ climb feature.

It was formed with three huge feature wooden arches – known as glulam beams, which are created by gluing laminated timber sections into one structure – each of which is 30m wide, 12m high and weighs five tonnes.

The new look Ice Arena in Montem Lane will be opening to the public at the end of April following the multi-million pound rebuild. The work has included extensive landscaping and public space, cladding to improve its appearance, a new ice pad with glazed barriers, specialist chiller plant with old mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment replaced, new changing rooms and toilets, spectator seating and lighting, a new cafe, reception area and the climbing wall.

Councillor Rob Anderson, Slough's lead member for environment and leisure said: “It was very exciting to see the progress on the ice arena and residents can now see how the incredible frontage has been extended towards the Bath Road creating not only a larger building but with the new landscaping, a much more welcoming entrance and public area."

He said major improvements were planned in the future to all leisure centres, parks and open spaces.

The Slough Ice Arena rebuild is being undertaken by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), a partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd, which is driving regeneration across the town including leisure, housing, community and school buildings.

Andy Howell, SUR General Manager, said “It’s fantastic to see the building taking shape; the new extension is going to transform this council facility and we are really pleased with the design."