The eagerly awaited King’s Bastion Leisure Centre opened for business on March 1st, and since then the public have taken full advantage of what has proven to be a popular and safe environment where everyone can enjoy themselves.

Visitors have included families and groups of friends, both young and not so young, and schools are taking advantage of the facilities available to introduce their pupils to the joys of ice skating, something that most children in Gibraltar have never before been able to experience.

After its official opening on February 28th in the presence of the Chief Minister, Peter Caruana, the Governor, Sir Robert Fulton, and a host of guests from all walks of life, members of the general public were invited to inspect the facilities on the following day, and much admiration was expressed as to how the modern high-tech glass and steel additions compliment the solid majesty of the former defensive walls of Gibraltar. The range of facilities is impressive, with the very popular ten-pin bowling alley forming the main focus on the ground floor of the complex and games and entertainments located in the chambers built within the great walls. The lower floor also houses a restaurant, and there is a further catering establishment on the upper floor, with a huge terrace where visitors to the centre will be able to relax whilst enjoying a refreshing drink; this is also the only place where smoking is permitted within the Leisure Centre. Also on the upper floor is a youth lounge and disco, where only soft drinks are available, and this is also the location of the ice rink, another very popular introduction into Gibraltar. The cinema is also located on this floor; it is scheduled to open after the Easter period, after this issue of Insight went to press.

With the opening of the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, which will provide healthy and safe activities year round, Gibraltar’s sports and entertainment facilities have been greatly enhanced.

© 2008 Insight Publications LTD