100 jobs on way in West Bromwich ice rink plan
A proposed ice rink planned at the heart of West Bromwich would create at least 100 jobs.
A multi-storey car park will be bulldozed and transformed into the attraction, under proposals.
National ice rink firm, Planet Ice Property Leisure, which runs The Leisurebox in Birmingham, has approached Sandwell Council to run the enterprise and say the Queens Square car park occupies the best spot.
Council chiefs now plan to sell off the car park, paving the way for the development to go ahead.
If approved, the demolition of the car park will start in spring next year and development of the ice rink would begin in the autumn. It is hoped the building would be open by the end of 2015.
Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said though contracts had not yet been signed, he was hopeful it would create a minimum of 100 jobs. The figure has already been touted during the council's ongoing negotiations with the firm.
Councillor Cooper said: "This will create a minimum of 100 jobs.
"We haven't completely signed the deal yet but we're nearly there. If it goes ahead as we hope, it will be another piece in the jigsaw for West Bromwich. If it went ahead we would have a cinema, an ice rink and when it is finished, a new leisure centre. There are few other towns or even cities in this economic situation that can have achieved that."
It is hoped that an ice rink would also boost the wider economy as those visiting it, would also visit other restaurants, bars and other venues. The car park was built in the early 1970s and is in need of significant investment.
