Work to build an industrial warehouse on the former site of the John Nike Leisure centre can begin.

Planning permission was granted to build on the site of the much-loved ice rink and ski centre this January.

But construction was halted until the developers Bearwood agreed to give money towards the refurbishment of another centre, to make up for the loss of leisure facilities at John Nike.

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The ice rink and ski slope on John Nike Way, Binfield, closed in March 2020, when the first Covid-19 lockdown started.

Bracknell Investment LLP then bought the site, demolishing the ice rink building in 2022.

The site will see a large industrial unit and warehouse built, while the existing office building Jubilee House will be kept for use.

The ski slope will also remain for potential future use, with a new access point separate to the warehouse built.

A computer-generated image released in February shows what the planned development could look like.

What the warehouse could look likeWhat the warehouse could look like (Image: Eco24)

The green space at the bottom left-hand corner of the image shows where the ski slope currently stands.

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Now the legal agreement – known as a section 106 – was signed by Bracknell Forest Council and developer Barwood on October 14, meaning construction can now begin.

The council negotiated that given plans would see a loss of leisure facilities, developers should contribute to the refurbishment of another site, Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Under planning law, land used for leisure purposes shouldn’t normally be converted for different uses, unless it’s replaced by an ‘improved facility’ elsewhere.

Barwood said it was no longer viable to run a leisure facility at the site.

The section 106 agreement indicates a total £324,000 will be paid to the council to redevelop the leisure centre on Bagshot Road.

But the refurbishment has already been complete - with new facilities including soft play areas, spa and wellness studios unveiled last month.

Cabinet member for leisure, culture, public protection and democracy Councillor Iskandar Jefferies spoke about the plans at an Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting last month.

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The cabinet member said that he was 'really, really proud' of the final result of the centre, which was completed in 'superb time'.

The revamp saw £1.6 million in funding from various section 106 agreements, as well as a contribution of half a million pounds from Everyone Active, who runs the centre.

No money from Bracknell Forest Council's own budget was used towards the refurbishment.