A new refrigeration plant is to be installed at the Linx Ice Arena in Aberdeen as part of a £1m refurbishment of the venue, which is due to reopen in October ahead of the European Curling Championships.

The venue was closed last year in order to allow Aberdeen City Council (ACC) to carry out major upgrade works to the building's infrastructure, which also includes the replacement of the Plexiglas surrounding the ice and improved electrical systems. Facilities at the ice arena will include an ice pad, a café, a skate-sharpening service, an occasional bar and in-line skate hire once work is complete, with the venue due to stage the European Curling Championships between 5-12 December in partnership with Curl Aberdeen.

ACC has also approved plans to continue operating Linx Ice Arena until 30 December before handing over management of the facility to Sport Aberdeen on 1 January 2010.