Potential Closure of the Time Capsule Ice Rink

That the Parliament notes with concern reports that North Lanarkshire Council is being asked to approve proposals to redevelop the ice rink at the Time Capsule leisure centre in Coatbridge into a play and activity zone; recognises what it sees as the significant public opposition to the proposal, including the local authority's own engagement exercise, in which 78% of respondents expressed a desire to retain the rink; acknowledges the vital role that it believes the facility plays in supporting physical activity, health and wellbeing, community participation and social inclusion across Coatbridge and the wider North Lanarkshire area; notes the contribution that the rink reportedly makes to local ice sports, including figure skating, ice hockey and inclusive skating programmes, providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and develop confidence, skills and lifelong friendships; recognises testimony from users, families and community groups regarding the positive and often life-changing impact that the facility has had, particularly for young people and those from more marginalised backgrounds, including disabled people and/or people with additional needs; notes that a range of soft play and children's activity facilities already exist within Coatbridge, including a well-used soft play provision at the Time Capsule itself, whereas the ice rink represents a unique sporting facility that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere in the area; believes that the loss of the rink would remove a unique sporting and community asset from the area and limit access to ice sports for future generations, and calls on North Lanarkshire Council to reconsider the proposal, engage meaningfully with stakeholders and explore all available options to secure the long-term future of the Time Capsule ice rink as a valued community facility.