Nestled under the soaring buildings of Canada Square and bathed in twinkling festive lights, Ice Rink Canary Wharf is back with a sparkling new look for the 2012/13 season. The 807m² rink opened on 7 November with a spectacular ice show and live music and is expected to attract a record number of people before closing on 13 January 13, enhancing visitor experience across the Canary Wharf district during the festive season.
Arena Group delivered a full service turnkey solution for event infrastructure, working with client Ice Rink Canary Wharf to deliver every element of the project in the sensitive location of Canada Square. This included temporary structures, branding, working with all stakeholders including main sponsor Hublot, interiors designed to highest contemporary standards, alongside the rink infrastructure and latest ice rink technology from Satellite Ice.
The installation includes three linked single deck 10m curved roof Arcus structures, housing a pop up Boisdale themed winter bar, stylish skate exchange and box office. The Arcus is Arena Group's flagship demountable hospitality venue and was used at Olympic sites including Horse Guards Parade and Eton Dorney.
James Thomas, Arena Structures account director, said, "This is the sixth year that we've been involved with the Ice Rink Canary Wharf. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team who have been very progressive in looking at things differently to create an experience in keeping with the clientele associated with the prestigious location at Canary Wharf.
"We have a particularly fruitful relationship viewed very much as a partnership where our ideas and experience have helped shape the end result. The final product is truly spectacular and the bespoke Ice Path which winds its way through the trees is the first to be seen in the capital and really helps set apart Canary Wharf's offering."
Arena Group has grown its specialist ice rink capabilities extensively during 2012 and is installing nine rinks across the UK this year. Arena provides full support for the event owners and every item required including skates, branding, infrastructure and full training on how to maintain the ice.
Kylie Williams, project director for Ice Rink Canary Wharf, comments, "We have eight years working together with the Canary Wharf Group, so have a deep understanding of them and their audience. We shared our vision with Arena Group and they fully took it on board. Arena has gone over and above, giving the attention to detail beyond what was asked in creating the Ice Rink Canary Wharf, which will set new benchmarks."
(Jim Evans)
