WHILE Dorset continues to bask in the summer heat, plans to deliver some “festive warmth” with Bournemouth’s ice rink have been unveiled.

The popular attraction in the town’s Lower Gardens has been operated by property firm THAT Group for the last three years.

Proposals for the ice rink have been submitted to Bournemouth council and include a new semi-enclosed skate path adjoining the main rink. The alpine-themed après skate café and bar, Moguls, is set to return.

Last year saw the introduction of a children’s ice rink and winter playground. The UK’s only gliders rink, an ice bowling team game, was also a new addition.

This year, the ice rink opens on Thursday, November 15.

Organisers have aimed to attract a minimum of 20,000 skaters in previous years.

Last year’s rink measured 25m x 27m and could host around 200 skaters.

This year's facility will measure 32m x 27m, including the new skate path.

Peter Tisdale, of THAT Group, said improved toilet facilities would replace last year’s portacabins.

“The main addition will be the covered skate path, an area where you can skate off the main rink and back on again,” he said.

“It will be an interesting feature to provide additional festive warmth. At night, there will be a lot of twinkle lights so it will be very festive.”

He said the ambition was to grow the attraction year-on-year.

“It’s part of our commitment to the council to build the offer. We hope the skate path is the start of the growth of the ice rink into the leading product in the region.

“It’s fair to say that last year we finally got the design right after a couple of years of trying different things.”

He added the ice rink would complement the council’s plans for a ‘Christmas tree wonderland’ this year.

The town will host Europe’s first festive trail from late November, with hundreds of Christmas trees from around the world on display as part of the event.

“I think it will be such an important part of the Christmas offer for Bournemouth, and it will hopefully bring additional footfall to the area.”

A five-year programme of improvements for Bournemouth’s Christmas offering started last year.

The town’s festivities are extending into areas including Old Christchurch Road, the Lansdowne and the Triangle, as well as Winton, Charminster and the ‘coastal villages’ to increase the provision on offer for visitors.