Being an insomniac your vids keep me entertained through the night, I also have degenerative health issues that lay me up for days on end. I swear you have helped me stay sane through these days of lockdown. Looking forward to the premiere later. Thank you 💜
@@xxsweetalkinxx- crazy seeing it like this... And on Google maps it's gone 😑 I skated there most Friday and Saturday nights in the early 2000s. A piece of history gone.
That rink is a throwback to the 70's. I'm sure a lot of great memories were made in there in people's youths. Now it's getting knocked down to no doubt be replaced with yuppie housing like so many other places.
A fantastic video - thank you for making it. I skated at Bracknell from ~2000 to 2012, and know a lot of the building well. I visit the site today and was saddened to see it's just rubble now. I'm surprised the new owners haven't built their mega-warehouse on it yet, although I think the planning application was only submitted in early 2024. The ski slope is still owned by JNL so remains as you saw it, although the chairlift has been sold I think. There's some storage areas at the bottom of the slope (on the right at 50:36) that are ripe for future exploration. Pre-2012 they had a blue and yellow Olympia, rather than the Zamboni you saw. I think both machines run in CNG (methane) and the tanks appeared to be removed from the machine you found in the middle of the rink (should be on the right, opposite the driver, held with the yellow strap at 26:06) , so there was no way it was going to run. I have absolutely no idea what you found at 16:20! Didn't ever go to those rooms. I remember spending a lot of time in the room at 18:38. There are also additional large rooms behind the AV control room, accessible through the doors seen on the left at 21:25. I remember when that whole section was built, a much later addition, I believe. I think a lot of the AV equipment in the control room was removed and upgraded as times changed. Equipment got smaller so the large custom cut desk space wasn't needed anymore, which it why it looks naff at 22:16. Although yes, what equipment remained had been removed when you visited. I remember helping the DJ in there once or twice as a kid - was a lot of fun. The four key switches above your hand at 21:55 turn the main flood lights on and off, although I believe these were replaced at some point after I left. There was a "jumbotron" when I was there (I think later replaced with huge TV screens?) that I presume was controlled using the panel you play with at 21:51. The fluids you found at 23:07 were for smoke machines in the ceiling of the rink - I think there were 4 or so. Presumably the pipes to them were long! The cupboard you open at 25:20 was where coaches could play music for their students (for musical routines) during lessons. Basically a DJ/MC would be upstairs for hockey games or events, but normally coaches could control the music only using that lower door - saved them going upstairs. I didn't know it just went through to the floor of the AV room! I also didn't know what was underneath (25:30). The lawn-mower things at 27:51 were for cutting the edges of the ice. I think that only happened once a week and was relatively aggressive. The shutter you spot at 37:44 is to let the Olympia/Zamboni outside to empty it's ice and refill the CNG (external filling reservoir center-bottom at 51:42). There was an internal shutter too so it was normally parked in a kind of airlock space. I believe all the refrigeration equipment for the ice was next to that too - shame you didn't get in there. I remember the boot room at 39:02 very well too. All the cool kids had lockers in there 😂 Seeing this video reminds me of the smell!! I really enjoyed your investigation of the rooms around the reception - I didn't know about the rooms with the PC equipment and safes. The "Panto garage side door" key you found at 32:50 I believe is for some lockup storage garage at the Jubilee Building Supplies place across the road from the rink (also owned by John Nike) and was where costumes, painted flats and other large props were stored for the Christmas pantomimes (I did a lot of those!). If you look at the marks on the floor tiles at 39:27, you can compare them to current satellite images of the demolished site and see the floorplan of the whole downstairs area now - those marks and the reception area are clear to see, including the blue and white island, which used to have glass to the ceiling when I was there (I think). I remember that reception very well... It's a huge shame to see the site demolished. The place was always pretty grimy and falling apart, but from pictures I've seen since I left in 2012, it really went downhill. All the ceiling tiles in the rink were gone, the jumbotron was gone, etc etc. I really get the impression there just wasn't the money to keep it going. Hard to believe it only opened in 1987! They were always moaning about permafrost destroying the concrete foundations too, which I think is not uncommon for ice rinks... I understand in the 4 years before covid the site lost about £1 million. They were going to have to replace the refrigeration units and the ski slopes in a few years, which was £600k on top, and the money/revenue simply wasn't there. I suspect on paper it had no hope, as they already ploughed £620k into it since 2010. Still, a great shame as the replacement rink is much smaller. All that remains on the site now is a small roofless brick building with some power transformers in (center-bottom at 51:43) - presumably too much of a pain to destroy those. That's progress for you, I guess... Anyway, great video, thanks for making it.
Nice one. Brought back many memories. I learned to skate there and even did a bit of Hockey training there when I was younger. My brother worked the Ski Slopes. My daughters learned to skate there and one went on to join the Synchro Skate Team and eventually won a Gold at national level. Now look at it. What a shame. Apparently the rink always struggled to make a profit and after John Nike passed away the remainder of the Nike Empire worth millions n millions just didn't want to keep funding it so it just closed its doors. Sad 😥
Hi Matt that was certainly a job to get in this place glad after all that your got in. Great explore and interesting video. Though you had it when security came,love the ending thanks for sharing
Love the finished product! Great job Matthew. 😎👍 My favourite quote... “It’s a smell that is a mixture of polish, and freshly wiped bottom! “ 😂🤣 Sounds like poo 💩 scented Weiman wipes ! 😆
From the very start of this vid I wondered would the Zamboni still be there, never expected it to be right in the middle of the rink, and in good nick!
@@Peter-nv3wu yeah could tell! Matt always like interesting things👌🏻shame cause they are fun to drive, especially if u bring the conditioner up and put it in to a little drift on the ice😂I’ve had a shot of the Canadian version the “Olympia”, which are not much different from these apart from the body shape and a Chevy V8 which the Zamboni also has I’m sure.
I grew up going to that place every Saturday with my friends. So many areas that I recognise. I even learned to skate with those penguins when I was just a tiny boy. Over 30 years ago! It's so sad to see it closed down. At the entrance, you passed a shop on the right. They used to sell all sorts of hockey skates that I would oggle on as a kid.
This pure Secret Vaultedness Excitement causing Me to Having to Wait! Yes That's right! ALL RIGHT ✅ I'll Just Do it Doooo it Good Ha Haha ha ha!!! 😆👍👍👍👍👍👍💯
The pump handle on the Zamboni is the Snow breaker it helps stop the snow jamming as your going round on the cut. They’re pretty much hydraulic controlled for the conditioner board brush etc so sadly without the engine running you can’t use anything. Joys of working in a rink
Looking forward to this one going by the thumbnail Thanks Matt for pushing the explores vids out RIP the trousers 🪦🩳 Holly smokes that alarm is loud Matt on the Microphone & telephone & radio 😂 Can’t beat a good escape from the Vault
Always love the distorted music you play over drone films. Fits the scene very well. I'm no Greta, but I look at all that huge amount of build and what will now be massive landfill...Just so people can skate, or pretend to ski on plastic. What a huge waste.
Zamboni Frank Joseph Zamboni, Jr. was an American inventor and engineer, whose most famous invention is the modern ice resurfacer, with his surname being registered as a trademark for these devices
As a Canadian, I haven't seen those goal creases since 1986 after the NHL changed the line markings. Also, I keep hearing you call the Zamboni the "Zambolli" haha. Must be me ears.
I like sketchy roof walking. Need more. Have you been wearing the same trousers and underpants for the last 2 weeks? Lets take a look around the corner... O shit police....RUN!
I'm glad that the cops didn't get you and you were able to leave out the door, just wish I could have heard the guys tell there story on how they made it out on the end of your video.
Big one in Yeovil Shut down years ago now all over taken by nature have you been there @ThesecretVault ? ITs now a woods just off town ring road by river bottom of town
hi am in the same town IT'S ALL GONE NOW ZERO THERE co vid may have hit it i was very young when this was going up the days of the carboots all over the place they had small one on some sundays all down to the money side in the end
'''Pre booked elite'' so basically, they will be receiving grants and government subsidies out of ones rear end, whilst keeping the average enthusiasts out of the way. Well thats usually the case.
BBC 14-July-2020: "The centre, operated by John Nike Leisuresport Limited, closed in March when coronavirus restrictions came in. The firm said "a financially viable plan" for the complex, which features a 2,400 seat ice skating arena and artificial slopes, could not be found. The company said all 67 staff based at the site on John Nike Way had been made redundant. Nearly 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for the centre to remain open. Ice hockey club Bracknell Bees have been based there for 33 years. The club's director, Stuart Robinson said: "It is a massive loss to the local community. "Primarily, we have massive sympathy for all those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the... sad but understandably necessary decision in these challenging times. "We wish them and everyone who worked so hard to try and keep the facility open well for the future." He said the ice hockey club was making "positive progress" in finding a new home. The John Nike Group has five sports centres across the UK. Its centre in Chatham, north Kent has fully reopened, its ski and snowboarding site at Swadlincote, South Derbyshire has reopened at weekends and its snow sports centre at Llandudno in north Wales is expected to reopen fully on 18 July. The firm said a reopening date for its snow sports centre in Plymouth had yet to be set."
Hi Matt, great vid as usual, I have perfect excuse for you which you could have used when cornered in the building “Sorry mate I was looking for my pet pigeon and I thought I saw him fly in through the skylight on the roof” bound to work and cannot be disproved.
Great video as always. What's up with all the young lads wearing masks lol. Obviously they don't work, they just wear them to show they are playing the game on RUclips 😂
I remember then building that and have many fond memories skating there many years ago!
Being an insomniac your vids keep me entertained through the night, I also have degenerative health issues that lay me up for days on end. I swear you have helped me stay sane through these days of lockdown. Looking forward to the premiere later. Thank you 💜
sweet
@the real pendragon Glad we help you get out virtually.
That place and I go way back. Crazy seeing it like that.
Likewise haha
@@xxsweetalkinxx- crazy seeing it like this... And on Google maps it's gone 😑 I skated there most Friday and Saturday nights in the early 2000s. A piece of history gone.
That was gripping!!! Real and unscripted. Proper legend!!! And only down the road from me. Quality 👍👍👍
It’s quite cool how we each of us had a different getaway. Was a good one!
Best to split up, make it harder to catch all of us at once.
@@TheSecretVault definitely nowadays with the declining police numbers
How did you get out
@@davidm3maniac201 watch end of video you will see
I always used to go to this place, sad it’s permanently closed, so many memories
I remember when it was built! haha
That rink is a throwback to the 70's. I'm sure a lot of great memories were made in there in people's youths. Now it's getting knocked down to no doubt be replaced with yuppie housing like so many other places.
A fantastic video - thank you for making it.
I skated at Bracknell from ~2000 to 2012, and know a lot of the building well. I visit the site today and was saddened to see it's just rubble now. I'm surprised the new owners haven't built their mega-warehouse on it yet, although I think the planning application was only submitted in early 2024. The ski slope is still owned by JNL so remains as you saw it, although the chairlift has been sold I think. There's some storage areas at the bottom of the slope (on the right at 50:36) that are ripe for future exploration.
Pre-2012 they had a blue and yellow Olympia, rather than the Zamboni you saw. I think both machines run in CNG (methane) and the tanks appeared to be removed from the machine you found in the middle of the rink (should be on the right, opposite the driver, held with the yellow strap at 26:06) , so there was no way it was going to run.
I have absolutely no idea what you found at 16:20! Didn't ever go to those rooms.
I remember spending a lot of time in the room at 18:38. There are also additional large rooms behind the AV control room, accessible through the doors seen on the left at 21:25. I remember when that whole section was built, a much later addition, I believe.
I think a lot of the AV equipment in the control room was removed and upgraded as times changed. Equipment got smaller so the large custom cut desk space wasn't needed anymore, which it why it looks naff at 22:16. Although yes, what equipment remained had been removed when you visited. I remember helping the DJ in there once or twice as a kid - was a lot of fun. The four key switches above your hand at 21:55 turn the main flood lights on and off, although I believe these were replaced at some point after I left. There was a "jumbotron" when I was there (I think later replaced with huge TV screens?) that I presume was controlled using the panel you play with at 21:51. The fluids you found at 23:07 were for smoke machines in the ceiling of the rink - I think there were 4 or so. Presumably the pipes to them were long! The cupboard you open at 25:20 was where coaches could play music for their students (for musical routines) during lessons. Basically a DJ/MC would be upstairs for hockey games or events, but normally coaches could control the music only using that lower door - saved them going upstairs. I didn't know it just went through to the floor of the AV room! I also didn't know what was underneath (25:30).
The lawn-mower things at 27:51 were for cutting the edges of the ice. I think that only happened once a week and was relatively aggressive. The shutter you spot at 37:44 is to let the Olympia/Zamboni outside to empty it's ice and refill the CNG (external filling reservoir center-bottom at 51:42). There was an internal shutter too so it was normally parked in a kind of airlock space. I believe all the refrigeration equipment for the ice was next to that too - shame you didn't get in there. I remember the boot room at 39:02 very well too. All the cool kids had lockers in there 😂 Seeing this video reminds me of the smell!!
I really enjoyed your investigation of the rooms around the reception - I didn't know about the rooms with the PC equipment and safes. The "Panto garage side door" key you found at 32:50 I believe is for some lockup storage garage at the Jubilee Building Supplies place across the road from the rink (also owned by John Nike) and was where costumes, painted flats and other large props were stored for the Christmas pantomimes (I did a lot of those!).
If you look at the marks on the floor tiles at 39:27, you can compare them to current satellite images of the demolished site and see the floorplan of the whole downstairs area now - those marks and the reception area are clear to see, including the blue and white island, which used to have glass to the ceiling when I was there (I think). I remember that reception very well...
It's a huge shame to see the site demolished. The place was always pretty grimy and falling apart, but from pictures I've seen since I left in 2012, it really went downhill. All the ceiling tiles in the rink were gone, the jumbotron was gone, etc etc. I really get the impression there just wasn't the money to keep it going. Hard to believe it only opened in 1987! They were always moaning about permafrost destroying the concrete foundations too, which I think is not uncommon for ice rinks... I understand in the 4 years before covid the site lost about £1 million. They were going to have to replace the refrigeration units and the ski slopes in a few years, which was £600k on top, and the money/revenue simply wasn't there. I suspect on paper it had no hope, as they already ploughed £620k into it since 2010. Still, a great shame as the replacement rink is much smaller. All that remains on the site now is a small roofless brick building with some power transformers in (center-bottom at 51:43) - presumably too much of a pain to destroy those. That's progress for you, I guess...
Anyway, great video, thanks for making it.
Great explore Matt and a great escape! :)
Nice one. Brought back many memories. I learned to skate there and even did a bit of Hockey training there when I was younger. My brother worked the Ski Slopes. My daughters learned to skate there and one went on to join the Synchro Skate Team and eventually won a Gold at national level. Now look at it. What a shame. Apparently the rink always struggled to make a profit and after John Nike passed away the remainder of the Nike Empire worth millions n millions just didn't want to keep funding it so it just closed its doors. Sad 😥
Did you got to Easthampsted park?
@@xxsweetalkinxx no. 👋
Hi Matt that was certainly a job to get in this place glad after all that your got in.
Great explore and interesting video.
Though you had it when security came,love the ending thanks for sharing
Matt has balls of steel 😂💜
Love the finished product! Great job Matthew. 😎👍
My favourite quote...
“It’s a smell that is a mixture of polish, and freshly wiped bottom! “ 😂🤣
Sounds like poo 💩 scented Weiman wipes ! 😆
Classic Jimmy saville helpline still makes me laugh great vid Matt
Matt great video once again and drone footage was amazing to see it was funny to see you leave out the front door:))👍
Love the tune at the end very reminiscent of the late 80s acid house
Great Video Matt. Never seen around an ice rink like that before 👍
We had it all in this video abandoned, alarms, security, coppers and farts, glad you escaped the covid fines haha
From the very start of this vid I wondered would the Zamboni still be there, never expected it to be right in the middle of the rink, and in good nick!
Yes, I think that was number 1 on Matt's to do list. He must have been really disappointed he could not get it started.
@@Peter-nv3wu yeah could tell! Matt always like interesting things👌🏻shame cause they are fun to drive, especially if u bring the conditioner up and put it in to a little drift on the ice😂I’ve had a shot of the Canadian version the “Olympia”, which are not much different from these apart from the body shape and a Chevy V8 which the Zamboni also has I’m sure.
I grew up going to that place every Saturday with my friends. So many areas that I recognise. I even learned to skate with those penguins when I was just a tiny boy. Over 30 years ago! It's so sad to see it closed down. At the entrance, you passed a shop on the right. They used to sell all sorts of hockey skates that I would oggle on as a kid.
Most famous for being the British Olympic Skiing Centre in the Eddie the Eagle film.
re-watching this classic.
This pure Secret Vaultedness Excitement causing Me to Having to Wait! Yes That's right! ALL RIGHT ✅ I'll Just Do it Doooo it Good Ha Haha ha ha!!! 😆👍👍👍👍👍👍💯
That intro tune was absolutely epic 🙂
1st class video to watch thank you take care kind regards from me kenneth
Wow great video Matt loved this and Great escape mate lol 🤣👍 shame it's shut
when ray gets pulled up window made my day xD xD
Run Matt run!! Drone footage is class 👍💪
The intro song had me laughing lol love the video 😂😂😂
Cool video and explore ... unlucky for Vacant Haven! Great drone footage 👍
47:00 love the drone + music. keep it as a staple to all your videos.
Really cool but strange to see this, I worked at this place years ago
Yet another quality video 🇬🇧👍
The pump handle on the Zamboni is the Snow breaker it helps stop the snow jamming as your going round on the cut. They’re pretty much hydraulic controlled for the conditioner board brush etc so sadly without the engine running you can’t use anything. Joys of working in a rink
Love the escape, good one.
So much missed there loads of rooms upstairs some of it is like a maze i helped do fire alarms here iv been round hole building
...freshly wiped bottoms...😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
🤣 Mr cool when caught 😎 love it x
Looking forward to this one going by the thumbnail
Thanks Matt for pushing the explores vids out
RIP the trousers 🪦🩳
Holly smokes that alarm is loud
Matt on the Microphone & telephone & radio 😂
Can’t beat a good escape from the Vault
Dam stuck at work till 2pm will catch up when I get back home 👍
Awesome explore
Love. It. Matt. More. Please 💯 💯
That’s just up the road from where I live
Was hoping you’d make everyone shit themselves with that Hockey horn😭
I had visions of Matt Driving down the road on the ice machine shouting to the police catch me if you can
Can't wait for this matt cheers
The best videos are the ones where you get caught ...or nearly caught hahahaa
Always love the distorted music you play over drone films. Fits the scene very well. I'm no Greta, but I look at all that huge amount of build and what will now be massive landfill...Just so people can skate, or pretend to ski on plastic. What a huge waste.
Don't Forget that 😉 lickey the likey it's like rubbing a nubbin for fun Cheer's 😅🤣😂👍
Intro hip hop, i was about to burst into a snoop dog
8:05 and that is how you clean windows lol
WOOP WOOP
ITS THE SOUND OF THE POLICE
Nice security to let you out the door, saved a mission over the rooftop.. 🤣💜
My man!!! Clean get away!!!
Zamboni Frank Joseph Zamboni, Jr. was an American inventor and engineer, whose most famous invention is the modern ice resurfacer, with his surname being registered as a trademark for these devices
Proper entertainment!!! Next time bring Jordan with his gear along, they're gonna call for some helicopters then!
Melissa Cheer's 👀👍👍👍👍👍👍😅🤣😂😅🤣
Thank You And God Bless England HeHe!!!
As a Canadian, I haven't seen those goal creases since 1986 after the NHL changed the line markings.
Also, I keep hearing you call the Zamboni the "Zambolli" haha. Must be me ears.
top video matt, that was a narrow escape
Liked the vlog from Margaret P
Secret Vault!
If i went there i would so have 2 bomb down that toboggan slope on my BMX! Well try anyway! 😂 Keep up the brilliant content! 😊
I like sketchy roof walking. Need more.
Have you been wearing the same trousers and underpants for the last 2 weeks?
Lets take a look around the corner...
O shit police....RUN!
Everyone I have seen exploring this place has been caught lolz
I'm glad that the cops didn't get you and you were able to leave out the door, just wish I could have heard the guys tell there story on how they made it out on the end of your video.
Going to be a moist one
9:20 Matt has to fix his pants on a sketchy roof ROFL
Ever thought of going in the abandoned pontins near great Yarmouth
😂😂😂 love the run but seemed no different from your walk
Big one in Yeovil Shut down years ago now all over taken by nature have you been there @ThesecretVault ? ITs now a woods just off town ring road by river bottom of town
Great Matt xx
How do you find all these locals to get you in places 😂
Tight Knit urbex community
Another cracking escape ha ha.....what drone do you use Matt? Cheers.
nice one :)
What is the music you use for the run section of the video?
Love it
West London?? It's Bracknell LOL
hi am in the same town IT'S ALL GONE NOW ZERO THERE co vid may have hit it i was very young when this was going up the days of the carboots
all over the place they had small one on some sundays all down to the money side in the end
'''Pre booked elite'' so basically, they will be receiving grants and government subsidies out of ones rear end, whilst keeping the average enthusiasts out of the way. Well thats usually the case.
Epic 👍👀
Ali g is gunna be pissed
BBC 14-July-2020:
"The centre, operated by John Nike Leisuresport Limited, closed in March when coronavirus restrictions came in.
The firm said "a financially viable plan" for the complex, which features a 2,400 seat ice skating arena and artificial slopes, could not be found.
The company said all 67 staff based at the site on John Nike Way had been made redundant.
Nearly 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for the centre to remain open.
Ice hockey club Bracknell Bees have been based there for 33 years. The club's director, Stuart Robinson said: "It is a massive loss to the local community.
"Primarily, we have massive sympathy for all those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the... sad but understandably necessary decision in these challenging times.
"We wish them and everyone who worked so hard to try and keep the facility open well for the future."
He said the ice hockey club was making "positive progress" in finding a new home.
The John Nike Group has five sports centres across the UK.
Its centre in Chatham, north Kent has fully reopened, its ski and snowboarding site at Swadlincote, South Derbyshire has reopened at weekends and its snow sports centre at Llandudno in north Wales is expected to reopen fully on 18 July.
The firm said a reopening date for its snow sports centre in Plymouth had yet to be set."
This translates as we could keep it open but houses being built on the site will earn us more and quicker so F you all....
Where do we find Sarah and her yellow flamingo ?
What a shame it looked really cool 😎😎😎😎
I wouldn't,t have trusted that roof that metal is thin security they was not proper security they had no security clothes on very strange
Not abandoned though is it 😂😂
What I want to now is who found out how to get in there it’s a treck and a half just to get in
Bracknell is in Berkshire not West London.
Nah it was so popular loads of people went there every day
Matt please stop letting security know where the other lads are. Tell them nothing
If I would’ve caught you in my arena I would’ve made you sit in the penalty box for five minutes first then you can leave!
Bracknell isn't in London.
Penguins used for novice skaters to push along I needed 12 lol and sorry for turning the naughty 69 comment to 70
FYI it’s not getting knocked down atm don’t know where you got that info from
cool :D
Hi Matt, great vid as usual, I have perfect excuse for you which you could have used when cornered in the building “Sorry mate I was looking for my pet pigeon and I thought I saw him fly in through the skylight on the roof” bound to work and cannot be disproved.
36:54 i heard an EVP !
Better tell dark arts tv😂😂
Sketchy shit man but good shit at the same time. 😏
Great video as always. What's up with all the young lads wearing masks lol. Obviously they don't work, they just wear them to show they are playing the game on RUclips 😂