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Sapphire Ice & Leisure wins prestigious awards

The centre opened in February 2018 (credit: Havering Council)

Sapphire Ice & Leisure in Romford has been named the UK’s best new civic building.

It picked up the honour from the Society for Public Architecture, Construction, Engineering, and Surveying (SPACES).

The big blue building is home to the Raiders Ice Hockey team and features an ice rink above a swimming pool, with a gym also located in the centre.

Logistically, it was a challenging building to construct due to the weight of the ice.

Graham Ward, from Willmot Dixon, the company that built Sapphire, told Time 107.5 at the building’s opening last year: “There was only a very small space available in the centre of Romford and we had to fill a lot of facilities in it to make it the iconic building that Romford wants.

“Technically, an ice rink above a pool is difficult … but it’s all come together well.”

The ice rink is located on the top floor

Chris Tredget, managing director at Willmott Dixon, today said: “This was a fantastic project to work on and has already made a huge impact in Romford.

“We have seen how much influence leisure schemes have on local economies as people flock to use the facilities.

“This award further underlines how Sapphire Ice & Leisure has become a national example of successful high-street regeneration that will bring people, jobs, and prosperity to Romford for many years to come.”

Sapphire opened in February 2018 and was given its name in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 65 years ruling the nation.

It was first proposed in 2011 but faced several delays owing to a dispute involving supermarket giant Morrisons.

Speaking at the opening, former leader of Havering Council, Roger Ramser, told Time 107.5 of his joy at finally getting the project finished.

Talking about the level of doubt over whether or not it would ever be built, Cllr Ramsey said: “One councillor said he’d eat his hat if it ever happened.

“As it was about to open, we provided him with an edible hat and, to his credit, in good spirit he ate some of it!”

Cllr Roger Ramsey with Mayor Linda Van den Hende and Everyone Active ambassador Colin Jackson

Tom Fletcher, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “Sapphire Ice and Leisure has not only boosted the profile of physical activity locally, it has spearheaded an innovative approach to UK urban leisure provision.

“We’re extremely proud of our 120-strong team, who welcome thousands of people through our doors each month, and we’re looking forward to seeing what next year brings.”

Sapphire was also named the best community building at the SPACES awards.

Councillor Viddy Persaud, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “Sapphire Ice and Leisure is a wonderful leisure centre and integral part of the local community. I am delighted that it won not one but two prestigious awards at the SPACES Awards to highlight and celebrate that.

“Thanks to the centre’s innovative design, there’s a wide range of facilities offering so much choice that there’s no excuse for anyone not to come along and get involved.

“If you haven’t been to the leisure centre and seen for yourself the superb facilities on display, this news is a great opportunity to find out more.”

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