POOLE'S Victorian park is being transformed with a new restaurant, islands in the lake and now a fun ice-rink.

Part of a £2 million investment in the popular park by Adrian Forte and his business partner Fidel Jabir has seen the old Cygnet Café turned into an ice palace.

Renamed the Central Park café, it includes Gus Gorilla's Jungle Playground and the new family ice rink, which has already proved a real hit.

Poole mayor Cllr Judy Butt did not let a tumble on a synthetic rink, which badly broke her left leg, stop her from opening the new icy venture recently.

She rose from her wheelchair and was supported by a walking frame as she formally declared the indoor ice-rink open.

"This new phase of Poole Park's improvement is very exciting," said Bob Lister of the Friends of Poole Park. "It is another attraction for young people and their families to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Park."

Another part of the project is the Mezza Luna restaurant overlooking the salt water lake, which is due to open in the spring.

As work progresses on the crescent shaped glass and cedar building, islands in front of it in the partly-drained lake are also taking shape.

This £150,000 Borough of Poole project, using material taken from the lake, is creating five islands and two raised reedbeds - mimicking in miniature the islands in the harbour.

An amphibious excavator is being used, which has tracks to take it over the mud and can float when necessary.

This work is due to be completed by the end of March and it will result in leisure sailing being brought back to the lake for the first time in many years.

  • The ice-rink and café are open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. Skating costs £4 for under 12s and £5 for adults for 45 minutes.

Falkland Square's synthetic rink, held during half-term, will not return following the opening of the new rink.

Staff surprised daily skater Kira Collins and her mum Lou from Poole with tickets to see The Snow Queen at Lighthouse.