Showcase: Skating the squares, parks and monuments

Thousands of skaters took to the ice last winter as De Boer helped create a series of temporary rinks at some of the United Kingdom’s most famous locations. 

The company’s structures were erected at London’s busy Marble Arch, historic Hampton Court Palace – the one-time home of King Henry VIII – and the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, south-west London. 

De Boer was also involved in ice rink projects taking place in Leeds’ Millennium Square, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and at The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Scotland. 
For a number of the locations – including those at Kew and Greenwich – public skating was being offered for the first time. 

De Boer’s contracts reflected the growing popularity of ice-skating in UK cities, which are following in the footsteps of New York in offering people the chance to take to the ice during the Christmas period. The assignments also helped to further raise De Boer’s profile in the rapidly expanding sector. 
A number of different styles of structure were used by De Boer’s clients, including Alu Hall and Chalet structures, many created with glass sides to maximize the view of the skating areas. The versatility of De Boer’s products meant structures were used for a variety of purposes, including changing areas, skate rooms and cafeterias. 

De Boer UK’s Managing Director Peter Spruce says: “There has been a tremendous growth in interest in ice skating among the British public. The temporary rinks created in London and other cities have given people a chance to enjoy a break from their Christmas shopping and to take to the ice instead. We see a great future for the idea and are delighted that De Boer’s structures have proved the perfect solution for organizers.”