Lee Valley Ice Centre in Leyton set for public opening

Lee Valley Ice Centre, on Lea Bridge Road in Leyton, opens on Saturday (17 June).

It will become one of three UK facilities to have two Olympic-sized rinks and replaces the 37-year-old centre on the same site.

It will attract half a million visitors yearly, double that of the previous centre, according to Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

The full opening comes after Robin Cousins, 1980 British Olympic gold medallist, premiered the centre to a group including east London schoolchildren on Wednesday (June 14).

The former figure skating champion said he was proud to open the new facility, having performed at the opening gala of the old centre in 1984.

“It’s fantastic to see that journey continue,” said the former Dancing on Ice star.

“Having these two Olympic size rinks in London is a game changer and I’m sure they will attract thousands of people of all ages and abilities.”

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The centre costs £30 million and includes a gym, dance studios and a café.

The authority claims it will be the most sustainable ice venue in the UK and said £1.5m was spent on green improvements.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and Waltham Forest Council funded the project.

Grace Williams, leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: "It is going to be absolutely fantastic having such a world class venue in our borough as well as having these incredible facilities on our doorstep."

Robin Cousins and 14-year-old skater Adrienne Caston (Image: PA)

Community programmes worth £1.25m, including a crime prevention scheme, will also run at the centre.

British Ice Skating, the sport's national governing body, will be launching its Skate UK course there, where qualified coaches teach basic and advanced skills.

The centre will be open seven days a week from 6am until 10pm and will be operated by Greater London Leisure.

Adult skating costs £10 and it will be £8 for under 18s, with skate hire at £3.