Stafford Skate Centre Is Set to Close After Four Decades of Rolling on the Rink

Many a Brisbanite has spent an afternoon or evening on wheels on Stafford Road, and felt like they've stepped back in time in the process. Entering Stafford Skate Centre will make you feel like you've gone back to the 80s — the venue is four decades years old, so that's hardly surprising. Soon, though, no one will be able to head in and hit the rink at all.

The beloved spot is set to close up shop, as announced this week in a Facebook post. The building that houses the rink has been sold, and "this is the decision we have come to amicably with the new owners," the post advises.

Exactly when it'll last welcome in eager skaters has yet to be revealed, although The Courier-Mail reports that the lease will end in September, which is when a gym will take over the site.

That means that Brisbanites only have a few months at most to literally put their skates on, roll onto the rink, clutch the wall while trying not to fall over or whip out your best moves while imagining that you're in Whip It. And, to whirl around to an often-retro soundtrack, too.

Stafford Skate Centre runs sessions on Friday nights (from 7.30–10pm), Saturdays (10am–12pm, 2–4pm and 7.30–10pm) and Sundays (2–4pm), as well as learn-to-skate classes on Wednesdays (5–6pm and 6.30–7.30pm) — other than on public holidays. It's also operating under a COVID-19 plan at present, with numbers limited per session, which is essential to take into consideration if you're planning a farewell visit (or several).

Find Stafford Skate Centre at 280 Stafford Road, Stafford. An exact closure date hasn't yet been announced — keep an eye on the venue's website and Facebook page for further details.

Top image: Google Maps.