BRITISH skating champion Katie Richardson yesterday helped unveil a revamped Oxford Ice Rink.

The 15-year-old, from Wolvercote, took to the ice to perform her championship winning routine to celebrate the £700,000 facelift by Oxford City Council.

Most of the money – £500,000 – has been spent on a new computer-controlled refrigeration unit that controls the temperature of the ice.

This can be lowered to suit ice hockey players – who prefer harder ice for speed – and raised for dancers, who prefer softer ice for cushioning.

Changing and shower facilities have also been improved, while a new rink barrier and rubber matting were installed.

The rink has been closed since November 15 for the work.

Katie said she had been using the rink since she was nine and now skates for free because she is at championship level.

She said: “It’s nice to know that people want to support me so I can reach my goals.”

Barbara Gatehouse, who opened the Oxpens Road rink in 1984, performed the ribbon-cutting duties again.

The 84-year-old former city council leader said: “It feels great to be back, and I like to see it not looking shabby.

“It looks rejuvenated.”

She said of the 1984 opening: “I had a lot of sleepless nights wondering whether it was the right decision.

“But it was absolutely worth it because of the number of youngsters that it’s catered for over the years.”

Oxford City Stars hockey junior team vice chairman Russ Fray welcomed the revamp.

He said: “The refurbishment brings new life into what was an ageing facility.

“The rink is really important because it gives the kids a place to do something that’s fun that keeps them active and gives them discipline.”

Bob Timbs, city council executive board member for leisure partnerships, said: “The importance of the rink is that it’s a main attraction for the youngsters of Oxford.

“There are kids here skating from two or three years old, and it’s a marvellous spectacle to see them really enjoying themselves.

“The ice rink cannot afford to be closed, it’s such an important amenity for the city.”

The centre was hit by controversial price rises across city council leisure facilities last month.

A general skate session rose from £6.40 to £6.90 as part of the 6.7 per cent increase across council venues.