Steel frame up for Irish ice bowl 

Replacing what is Ireland’s only Olympic-sized ice rink, more than 900t of structural steelwork has been erected for the new Dundonald International Ice Bowl. 

Located a few miles east of Belfast city centre, the project is being funded by a £52 million investment from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and a further £12.2 million from the UK Government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (previously known as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities).  

As well as the new Olympic-sized ice rink, the project includes a 24-lane bowling centre, 120-station gym, multi-use studios, community rooms and offices, an adventure play area as well as food and beverage outlets. 

Adding some architectural interest, two areas of the project are topped by curved roof structures, formed with a combination of steelwork and glulam elements. 

Working on behalf of main contractor Heron Bros., Walter Watson has fabricated, supplied and erected the steelwork. 

Due to open in the summer of 2027, the completed project will provide elite skaters with a facility to develop their talents and a training home for the local ice hockey team, the Belfast Giants.