AN ice rink at a popular shopping village has been hailed a “success” by its boss as its closing date looms.

The 1,500 square-metre rink, at Braintree Village, in Chapel Hill, will close at the end of Sunday, January 7, following more than an eight-week stint which started on November 10 last year.

Situated next to the north car park, visitors have been able to get their skates on and enjoy the shopping outlet’s first-ever ice rink in its 24-year history.

Braintree Village director Josef O’Sullivan says the rink has gone down a storm with visitors.

Braintree and Witham Times: Skilled - A skater enjoying the rinkSkilled - A skater enjoying the rink (Image: Braintree Village)

Braintree and Witham Times: Family fun - Youngsters enjoying the ice rinkFamily fun - Youngsters enjoying the ice rink (Image: Braintree Village)

He said: “Our first ever ice rink was a huge success at Braintree Village over the festive season.

“We saw a variety of groups enjoying the rink, from an after-school treat for families, an evening out with friends, or a spontaneous activity following a day of Christmas shopping.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience, and we think our guests will agree that we excelled ourselves this Christmas.”

Customers have been able to book 45-minute sessions which included skate hire at the undercover rink.

Throughout the ice rink’s run, adult tickets cost £15.50, child tickets £13.50, and a family group ticket was £50.

The rink itself was custom-built, with real ice.

Braintree and Witham Times: Huge - The 1,500 square-metre rinkHuge - The 1,500 square-metre rink (Image: Braintree Village)

Braintree and Witham Times: Skates on - More customers on the iceSkates on - More customers on the ice (Image: Braintree Village)

For the grand opening event in November, world championship skater Kristen Spours and duo Lydia Smart and Harry Mattick showcased their skills on the ice.

British Championship competitors Zarah Wood, Alex Lapsky and Zinia Wood also put on a spectacular performance during the opening.

Mr O’Sullivan hinted that the rink could return in future.

He said: “We’ve received a huge amount of positive feedback from those who skated with us over the past eight weeks, including a clear appetite for the return of the rink in 2024.

Braintree and Witham Times: Good times - A woman and child surrounded by other customers at the ice rinkGood times - A woman and child surrounded by other customers at the ice rink (Image: Braintree Village)

Braintree and Witham Times: Festive - The entrance to Braintree Village shopping outletFestive - The entrance to Braintree Village shopping outlet (Image: Braintree Village)

“Plans for next Christmas at Braintree Village will be revealed in due course.”