First designs of Ice Sports Centre unveiled
Winter sports enthusiasts could soon be indulging their passion closer to home with the release today of designs of a proposed National Ice Sports Centre in Melbourne Docklands.
On hand to inspect designs by the Centre's developers, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Justin Madden, said the Bracks Government had committed $10 million towards the development.
"The National Ice Sports Centre will be the first of its kind in Australia, catering for a range of elite ice sport disciplines and provide a hub for recreational winter sports enthusiasts," Mr Madden said.
"It will feature two rinks with spectator seating and be equipped to host national and international ice hockey, ice skating, curling and speed skating events."
The Consortium behind the Centre includes ING Real Estate Development, Ice Sports Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee's Olympic Winter Institute.
Director of Ice Sports Australia, Andrew Shelton, said the proposed designs would deliver a world-class facility for ice sports and recreation in the heart of a major new retail and entertainment precinct.
"The design by Cox Architects and international ice sports specialists, Brisbin Brooke Beynon, is based on the development of successful ice rink centres in North America and Europe."
Director of Cox Architects and Planners, Patrick Ness said the whole ice sports centre experience would be just as exciting as skating on the ice.
"We are creating a total winter sports atmosphere, which will give life to the long tradition of ice sports in Melbourne," he said.
Chairman of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, Geoff Henke welcomed the milestone.
"The Centre is a brilliant concept and will be a genuine first for Australia," Mr Henke said.
"As an official Olympic Training Centre, it will be a cornerstone of national excellence for winter sports in Melbourne and further success in the Olympic Winter Games."
Chief Executive Officer of ING Real Estate Development, Greg Boyd said the Centre would fit perfectly with Victoria's diverse lifestyle.
"The Ice Centre will add diversity and entertainment to Waterfront City at the Docklands and attract visitors and tourists to the precinct," Mr Boyd said.
"It will be like nothing Melbourne has ever experienced before and we have every confidence it will be a huge success."
Mr Madden said the designs are a great start to the development of the National Centre.
"We are very enthusiastic about the quality of the design work," he said.
"The development of the Centre is dependant now on the Consortium securing investment finance."
The Centre is planned to be built above a multi-deck carpark that is due to commence construction early next year.
