This has been one of the longer refurbishments in terms of reopening after the February 28 flood but Rollwerworld is on the cusp of having people skating at its rink in North Lismore once again. No mean feat.

A very happy Craig Newby is looking forward to this Saturday when Rollerworld opens for two roller skating sessions, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. Sunday is likely to be a 2pm to 4pm session, however, first up is an Adult Learn To Skate session tonight at 6:30pm.

As is the case with most businesses reopening, not everything will be perfect, there will be ongoing building for quite a few months. For instance, the kitchen will not be operational so no hot chips and toasties yet but there will be a fridge with snacks and drinks available from the front counter.

"We've been missing it," owner Craig told the Lismore App, "Seeing people enjoying themselves skating."

"We might have limited numbers to start off with. We are just about to pull out all the hire skates and see just how many pairs we have. Hopefully, we should have enough to run a session as normal but if people have their own skates, please bring them in with you. There are skates there to sell in smaller sizes for kids."

It has been a marathon for Craig and Belinda, they had hoped to open when the school holidays started in mid-December but that proved a step too far as the bathrooms needed to be finished and some electrical work completed. In fact, some electrical work needs to happen before Rollerworld starts holding its famous evening/night skating sessions. The car park lighting needs to be up and running so families can make it safely back to their cars.

"This should be done next week, so the Friday session next week is a possibility at this stage."

While other businesses had a solid trading period leading into Christmas, Craig and Belinda were hard at work rebuilding but like every other reopened business they are looking forward to people skating and getting some money in the door.

"We just want to get rolling," Craig said with a smile.

A two-hour skating session is only $12 and if you need to hire skates, $15. There are not many places in Lismore where you can get two hours of entertainment for $15. In fact, there is no paid entertainment venue in Lismore for our youth. Rollerworld is the first venue to reopen with the cinema still closed and Ten Pin Bowling closed permanently.

How would you describe your last 10 months?

"It's definitely been a harrowing experience. Some days are good and some days are not. It's been very up and down, negotiating a relationship and kids. One day I might be up and want to do something and Belinda is done that day and vice versa. You have to pick each other up and keep moving forward."

This weekend should see both Craig and Belinda up, positive and with smiles on their faces as Rollerworld gets going once again.

Saturday 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm, Sunday 2pm to 4pm then the two session times from next Monday every day.

Rollerworld is at 21 Bridge Street, North Lismore. Take the laneway just after the Winsome on the right-hand side coming from town.