Arena Structures ice cool with IMG at the Natural History Museum

Skaters slip into their skates in one of two ground-floor changing rooms within the 10m x 40m Horizon double-decker. A 5m ice-link leads to adjoining 100m? ‘kids rink’ from one area while a new stainless steel/hardwood staircase leads to the upper level bar at the opposite end. The welcoming scent of mulled wine pervades the top floor; a tastefully designed bar with hardwood panelled flooring set off with atmospheric panelled walls, lighting and furniture. Arena’s innovative Horizon horizontal glazed frontage gives excellent views onto the 35m mezzanine balcony overlooking the ice-rink, complete with a bespoke brushed aluminium/glass handrail incorporating a drinks shelf to prevent drinks being dropped over the edge. The whole area creates a relaxing environment to recover after executing a few ‘strictly come’ manoeuvres around the ice floor – or simply spectating.

Arena Structures MD Grahame Muir says:
“This is a stunning project in the heart of Kensington within a short walk of Harrods. This has been Arena’s first time constructing at the National History Museum. The venue and IMG’s events management team demand the highest of standards; plus there have been a lot of operational sensitivities that our Project Manager James Thomas has overcome superbly whilst installing the structures, interior design and ice-floor at this iconic location.”

Meticulous calculations by Arena’s in-house CAD engineers ensured the Betonplex cassette flooring system accommodated the weight loadings of the ice rink, skaters, and 3 ton Zamboni ice cutting/cleaning machine.

IMG’s Project Manager Nick Mattingley says:
“Producing an event of this nature is like giving birth and Arena’s team have been fantastic surgeons. The whole team reacted superbly to each and every challenge, of which there were many. A BIG thanks to James and his on site team for their unswerving energy and good humour.”