Ice rink could give Dudley a rival to the Civic, says council chief as deal signed

Dudley’s planned £9 million ice rink could give the town an attraction to rival Wolverhampton’s rejuvenated Civic Hall, attracting thousands of people, the council leader has said.

Councillor Patrick Harley said a deal had now been signed to build a 2,000 capacity ice rink in Dudley town centre, with a planning application expected ‘within weeks’.

But he said venue would also be able to increase its capacity to 3,000 for sports events and concerts, giving it an attraction to rival Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall which has a standing capacity of 3,400.

“This will be the anchor site that brings in the investment and regeneration the town centre requires,” said Councillor Harley.

The council agreed in principle to lease part of the Flood Street car park to Planet Ice, which will operate the venue. It will then sub-lease part of the complex to food-and-drink operators.

Councillor Harley said the new venue could potentially host major events such as the Grand Slam of Darts, which has been held in Wolverhampton in recent years.

Wolverhampton’s refurbished Civic and Wulfrun Halls, now rebranded The Halls, has been credited with boosting the city’s visitor economy by bringing big-name acts into the city, including Robbie Williams, the Fratellis and the Kaiser Chiefs.

Councillor Harley said there was no reason why the new ice rink could not do the same for Dudley.

“I would certainly hope it would,” he said. “It would be up to the operators, but I would think they would want to maximise their revenues.

“If you look at events like the darts, which has just finished at Aldersley, there is no reason why it could not be hosting events like that.

“You could have all sorts of different sports, you could have boxing matches there. It will bring back the confidence into the town.”

Councillor Harley said he expected a draft application to be submitted to planning officers either this month or next, with a full application coming to the council in June.

He hoped the rink would also become home to a new professional ice hockey team, with the rink open for both public skating sessions as well as for lessons.

Councillor Harley said: “We are delighted to be working closely with partners in the leisure centre to secure this fantastic asset for the town.

“We are getting closer to being able to exchange contracts on the land and I have no doubt that this project will be a massive benefit to Dudley town centre and our wider borough.”