City to open 3,000-seater ice rink venue near one of the UK’s biggest shopping malls (Image: MEN)
A major UK city is set to build a huge 3,000-seat ice arena – right on the doorstep of one of Britain’s biggest shopping centres. The new ice rink will be constructed on the former Soccer Dome site in Trafford City, Greater Manchester, and will become the new home of Manchester Storm ice hockey team, which will relocate from Altrincham Ice Arena.
The ice rink will offer ice skating, as well as hosting concerts, screenings, immersive experiences and ice hockey games, the developer Peel Waters said. Meanwhile, they revealed the next entertainment being planned for the huge swathe of land around Trafford City was an outdoor surfing centre and more hotels and leisure facilities.
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The area is also a stone’s throw from Premier League side Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford ground and the site to build a completely new £2 billion, 100,000-seater stadium.
Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker said he was « sports mad » and so was excited about combining all those sports and leisure facilities together.
The arena will be built next to The Snow Centre, Trafford Golf Centre, David Lloyd, Fives Soccer, iFLY and The Padel Club.
The new venue will join a number of other ongoing developments – such as the £450m Therme Manchester wellness resort, which is currently under construction.
Mr Whittaker added: « We want to make Trafford City the best destination for retail and leisure in the world.
« So in Trafford City, we want to see every type of sport happening – skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, golf, health and fitness, paddle tennis.
« We just opened up 11 courts, ice skating, running and cycling and swimming. You know, so we want to have all that within Trafford City. Lastly, still on the radar is an outdoor surf concept – we’re still working on that. »
The rink has secured Planet Ice as its main tenant, and also included in the plans are family restaurants, bars and « VIP areas ».
MEN Pictures (Image: MEN)
Mr Whittaker added: « Securing planning approval for the TraffordCity Ice Arena is fantastic news for the area.
« This is a significant step in delivering our vision for TraffordCity as a destination that offers something for everyone.
« The new arena will provide world-class ice facilities and enhance our growing portfolio of sport and leisure experiences, attracting new visitors, investment and employment opportunities to the region. »
Construction of the new ice rink is expected to start in the spring and take up to 15 months to complete after planning permission was granted.
Nick Payne, director of ICITIES, added: « This approval allows us to move forward with creating a truly unique venue. Our design combines professional ice facilities with flexible spaces for non-ice events, ensuring the arena can serve a wide range of uses and audiences.
« The design includes approximately 20,000 sq. ft of ancillary space for tenants offering complementary food, beverage and leisure facilities. »
Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said the local authority was « committed to the regeneration of the area » and the ice rink will create around « 50 permanent jobs ».
While Heath Rhodes, chief operations manager at Planet Ice, said: « As Planet Ice enters its 30th year, we’re delighted to see planning permission granted for this landmark project.
« Demand for ice facilities in the North West continues to grow, and this arena will help meet that need while delivering first-class amenities for visitors.
« TraffordCity is the perfect location, with excellent transport links and complementary leisure attractions. »
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