North Lanarkshire Council has confirmed a £2.5 million investment to revamp the Time Capsule leisure centre in Coatbridge, weeks after abandoning a contentious plan to replace its ice rink with a play area and padel courts. The upgrade will bring a new themed tipping bucket attraction, modern health suites, an indoor Clip 'n Climb arena and refurbished changing facilities to the venue, which first opened in 1991.
According to the council's February 2026 budget statement, the £2.5 million allocation was specifically earmarked to keep the Time Capsule as one of Scotland's leading family visitor attractions. The council has also indicated that some of the new features will draw on Coatbridge's industrial heritage for their theming, according to a report from a Scottish news outlet.
What was the ice rink proposal and why was it dropped?
Earlier this year, council officials had proposed converting the ice rink into an active play area with padel courts, arguing the move would increase footfall and generate additional revenue for the local authority. A council report at the time indicated the plan would have drawn on the same funding pot approved in February for the wider leisure centre redevelopment, according to a regional broadcaster's coverage of the debate.
The proposal provoked a strong backlash from skating groups and ice hockey teams who use the facility, who warned they would be left without a home if the rink was removed. The same report noted that the rink is used by three separate hockey teams, along with synchronised skating and figure skating clubs and an inclusive skating group. They told BBC Scotland News at the time that they would be left homeless if the proposal went ahead.
Following a public consultation in which 78% of respondents said they wanted the ice rink retained, North Lanarkshire Council confirmed in June 2026 that the plan would not proceed. Notably, 57% of those respondents said they do not use, or have never used, the ice rink themselves. Councillor Adam Smith of the SNP described the outcome as a victory for people power at the time of the decision.
What else will the investment include?
Beyond the headline attractions, the £2.5 million package covers improved pool surrounds, a new community space overlooking the ice rink, and enhancements to the soft play area. Plans are also progressing to replace the venue's water flumes later this year, adding fresh attractions for visitors.
The investment follows a four-month closure of the park last year, during which maintenance work was carried out on pumps and blowers serving the waterfalls and river rapids. Recent engineering work at the site has also included major repairs to restore the waterpark, along with improvements to lift accessibility and a refurbishment of the gym, according to the same Scottish news outlet report. The Time Capsule upgrade also sits within North Lanarkshire's broader regeneration strategy for Coatbridge, which lists enhancements to the venue as part of a proposed £3 million investment line for the town, according to the council's regeneration and investment plan.
What have council leaders said?
Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of the Communities Committee, said the venue's long history underpinned the council's commitment to its future.
The Time Capsule has been at the heart of leisure and family life in North Lanarkshire for more than 30 years, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to its future.
These exciting improvements will enhance the experience for everyone who visits, while creating modern, accessible facilities that encourage more people to be active and enjoy everything the venue has to offer.
Council leader Jim Logue said the funding would safeguard the site for years to come, describing it as one of the local authority's most valued leisure facilities.
What happens next?
Work on the investment programme is scheduled to take place during the 2026/27 financial year, according to the Scottish news outlet's report. The council has said the replacement of the water flumes is planned for later this year, though a precise date has not yet been announced.
Key Facts
- North Lanarkshire Council has confirmed a £2.5 million investment in the Time Capsule leisure centre in Coatbridge.
- The upgrade follows the scrapping of a plan to replace the venue's ice rink with a play area and padel courts.
- 78% of public consultation respondents wanted the ice rink retained, though 57% said they had never used it.
- New features include a themed tipping bucket attraction, health suites, a Clip 'n Climb arena and Coatbridge industrial heritage theming.
- Work is scheduled for the 2026/27 financial year, with water flume replacements planned later this year.
