One of Bracknell’s best-known landmarks could be transformed into a solar farm if new plans are approved. The ski slope and the adjacent 2,400-seat ice arena have been closed since March 2020; managers said they couldn’t find a viable financial plan and 67 jobs were lost. The Bracknell Bees played there for 33 years and nearly 12,000 people signed a petition to keep the complex open.
Owner Sprint Energy has applied to Bracknell Forest Council to install 1,424 photovoltaic panels across the 5,250 square metre site — about three-quarters of a football pitch, with some space kept for trees.
The leisure complex was built by John Nike between 1985 and 1987 and was where many local people learned to ski and skate.
If approved, the scheme could save about 144.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. The council will decide after consultations with local parish councils; the council’s Environmental Health team said it had no objection, finding no adverse impact on noise, air quality, contamination or lighting. Binfield parish raised no objections and, at their planning committee on Tuesday, March 24, cllr Hilary Doyle called it ‘exciting’.
The site’s underlying geology is Bagshot Formation sand, which soaks water, and the council recommends the panels be installed along the contours with plenty of drainage.
You can track the application on the Bracknell Forest planning portal using application number PA/2026/0157.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
