Huge 3,000 seat ice rink opening next to one of the UK’s bigest shopping centres | UK | News
City to open 3,000-seat ice rink near one of Britain’s biggest shopping malls (Image: MEN)
A major UK city is set to build a giant 3,000-seat ice arena on the doorstep of one of Britain’s biggest shopping centres. The new ice rink will be built at the former Soccer Dome site in Trafford City, Greater Manchester, and will be the new home of the Manchester Storm ice hockey team, who will be moving from Altrincham Ice Arena.
Developer Peel Waters said in addition to offering ice skating, the ice rink will also host concerts, screenings, immersive experiences and ice hockey games. Meanwhile, they have revealed that the next attraction planned for the massive land around Trafford City is an outdoor surf centre, more hotels and leisure facilities.
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The area is also a stone’s throw away from Premier League side Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford home ground and the site of an entirely new £2bn, 100,000-seat stadium.
Peel Waters general manager James Whittaker said he was a “sports nut” and was excited about bringing all these sports and leisure facilities together.
The arena will be built alongside The Snow Centre, Trafford Golf Centre, David Lloyd, Fives Soccer, iFLY and The Padel Club.
The new venue will join a number of ongoing developments, such as the £450 million Therme Manchester wellness resort currently under construction.
Mr Whittaker added: “We want to make Trafford City the best destination for retail and leisure in the world.
“So we want to see all kinds of sports taking place in Trafford City – skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, golf, health and fitness, paddle tennis.
“We’ve opened 11 courts, including ice skating, running, cycling and swimming. You know, we want to have all of that at Trafford City. Finally, the concept of outdoor surfing is still on the radar; we’re still working on that.”
The rink has named Planet Ice as its anchor tenant, and family restaurants, bars and “VIP areas” are also included in the plans.
MEN Pictures (Image: MEN)
Mr Whittaker added: “Planning approval for the TraffordCity Ice Arena is great news for the area.
“This is an important step in realizing our vision of TraffordCity as a destination that offers something for everyone.
“The new arena will provide world-class ice facilities and enhance our growing portfolio of sports and entertainment 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 once planning permission has been obtained.
ICITIES director Nick Payne added: “This approval allows us to progress towards creating a truly unique venue. Our design combines professional ice facilities with flexible spaces for off-ice events, ensuring the arena can serve a wide range of uses and audiences.
“The design includes approximately 20,000 square feet of ancillary space offering complementary food, beverage and entertainment amenities for tenants.”
Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said the local authority was “committed to the regeneration of the area” and that the ice rink would create “around 50 permanent jobs”.
Heath Rhodes, Planet Ice’s chief operating officer, said: “As Planet Ice enters its 30th year, we are 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 this need while providing first-class facilities to visitors.
“TraffordCity is a great location with excellent transport links and complementary entertainment venues.”
