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Leisure centre hub celebrates 40 years of business

Bea Swallow & Jeremy Stern
BBC News, WIltshire
BBC Clive Seabrook standing in a gym inside the Link Centre. He is wearing a light blue collared shirt underneath a navy polo jumper. Behind him is a mirror reflecting the gym equipment and weights on the other side of the room. He has a bald head, is clean shaven and smiling at the camera. BBC
General manager Clive Seabrook said the centre was important for the community

Staff and gym members are celebrating 40 years since the opening of an "important" community hub.

The Link Centre in Swindon, which includes a gym, swimming pool and ice rink, first opened its doors in 1985 and is one of the largest in Wiltshire.

A special event is planned to mark the milestone on 26 April, featuring stallholders and discounted activity sessions such as ice skating, swimming and trampolining.

General manager Clive Seabrook described the facility as "the hub of west Swindon", adding: "It's a really important building for the community."

The Link Centre in Swindon. It is a large rectangular building with metal poles and wires suspended above the glass windows. There is a green ramp leading up to the entrance.
The Link Centre opened in 1985, receiving an estimated one million visitors in its first year

The building, owned by Swindon Borough Council and operated by Greenwich Leisure under the brand "Better", is known for its national-sized ice rink which houses National Ice Hockey League team the Swindon Wildcats.

Coach Aaron Nell said: "Quite often after 40 years the rinks get worn down. This rink hasn't, they've looked after it really well.

"The view from the stands is as good as you can get."

Alfie Druett wearing a black and red, long-sleeved gym top and a backwards grey cap. He is sitting on a piece of gym equipment with his arms outstretched and smiling at the camera. He has shoulder-length brown hair which is swept back and tucked behind his ears.
Alfie Druett is one of the customers of the gym at the centre

Generations of families have visited the leisure centre over the past four decades.

Gym member Alfie Druett, 18, said: "It's always been a big part of my life and my family's life, and I come here five days a week.

"Everyone gets on, and everyone has their own goals and does their own thing."

In September 2023, The Link Centre closed indefinitely following heavy flooding. It reopened in January 2024 following extensive repairs.

Renovation works included ceiling repairs, retiling, redecoration and new lighting.

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