Link Centre

The Link Centre is a leisure complex in Westlea, two miles west of Swindon town centre. It sits beside a large Asda supermarket in the West Swindon district centre. The building opened in 1985 after design work began in 1983 under chief architect K P Sherry. It was planned for an estimated West Swindon population of 50,000. The centre was closed briefly in 2003 after legionella bacteria were found in the cooling system. A flood caused a major electrical fault that led to another short closure in 2006. The complex is best known for its national-sized ice rink. The 56 by 26 metre ice pad is a centre of excellence for figure skating and ice hockey. It is an approved national squad-training venue for British Ice Skating and Ice Hockey UK. The rink hosts the Swindon Wildcats, a National Ice Hockey League team. Other facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with over 100 stations, and a 1,100 square metre trampoline park. A library and squash courts are also on site. Visitors find a busy leisure hub with something for all ages. The ice rink draws spectators to watch league matches. The swimming pool and gym attract regular users. Families use the trampoline park and spin studio. The library offers a quieter space for reading or study. The complex remains a focal point for sport and social activity in West Swindon.