In partnership with the Prince’s Trust, the Ice Arena Cafe underwent a major makeover at the close of 2019.

As part of the Prince’s Trust 12 week personal development course the students took on a community project which in this case was the full redecoration of the Ice Arena Café.

As part of this project the students proposed a range of design ideas in an ‘Apprentice’ style selection process. The mountain landscape theme was chosen in order to be in keeping with the ice arena setting. Once the design was finalised the Prince’s Trust Middlesbrough Team 34 pulled out their paint rollers and brushes and got to work.

Following the redecoration the students worked alongside Billingham Forum Ice Arena to organise an official opening ceremony. Regular service users from Teesside Ability Support Centre (a community group for adults with learning and physical disabilities) were amongst the visitors that were invited down to the opening ceremony to join in on the celebrations and to also enjoy a complimentary skate.

Anne Restall, Billingham Forum General Manager said “It was a pleasure to work alongside the Prince’s Trust team and we are really pleased with the finished outcome.

The redecoration of the Ice Arena Café has brought the space to life and it has provided a much brighter, more inviting environment for our diverse range of users including community groups, school trips, disability groups, birthday parties and more.”