IceInline Alexandra is moving into the final stage of its redevelopment, and will start approaching the community and businesses to help fundraise another $200,000 to complete the upgrade.

The major works for the roof project was expected to be finished in March 2024, and alongside that the committee plans on turning the existing lounge facility into more of a function centre.

The $1.4 million roof is underway with Calder Developments from Wanaka, thanks to funding from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, NZ Lotteries and the Central Otago District Council.

Roof Committee spokesperson Trevor Lawrence said the next steps were to replace end-of-life items such as matting, lighting, ice hockey nets and dasher boards around the rink, along with landscaping the site.

Fundraising was continuing to help provide these, but IceInline would like to offer the community the chance to be involved in this next exciting stage.

This summer IceInline is looking to raise $200,000 in the hope to complete the five-year capital improvements that have seen a new refrigeration plant heat the neighbouring Molyneux Aquatic Centre, new curling facilities and now the roof.

IceInline Committee member Dianne Elliot looking through old newspaper clippings from the initial project almost 30 years ago. PHOTO: Supplied

Families, businesses and sports lovers will have the opportunity to buy their own piece of the ice surface, of which there is 1800 sqm in the Olympic size rink. 

IceInline also went out to the community 27 years ago back in 1997, to finish its new building in Alexandra, after the rink was relocated into town from the Manorburn Dam.

People were asked to support the club, formerly known as the Alexandra Winter Sports Club, by purchasing a sheet of gib for $17 each from Mitre 10, and $17,000 was raised, with teams of families and local trades people giving up their time to help build the new facility.

IceInline spokesperson Dianne Elliot said they put the call out almost 30 years ago and managed to line the whole building in a weekend, which showed great community spirit.

“Businesses were generous and we hope they will do the same again,” she said.

Trevor said this latest fundraising will be a ‘one-off’ to turn the complex into a sporting facility that Central Otago residents can be proud of.

Anyone interested in being involved in the venture can find out more at the IceInline website.