NEW ICE RINK FOR TOWN

The news was released following a meeting between private investors, Murdock Group of Newry and Innovative Leisure Systems Limited, Dundalk, with the Leisure and Development Committee of Banbridge District Council.

The new 'Ice Dome' has been given full backing by the council which believes the project represents a major investment in the district's tourism potential, with the bonus of regenerating the local economy by bringing 30 new jobs to the town and attracting international ice hockey and figure skating events.

Bridgewater Park has been chosen as the initial site for a semi-permanent 1.5m structure to test demand before investors press ahead with their proposal to build a permanent multi-million pound rink which meets international hockey league size requirments and will have the capacity to accommodate up to 1,400 spectators.

Speaking to the Leader yesterday (Monday), Sam Curran, managing director of Innovative Leisure Systems, was ebullient in his praise for Banbridge, which he said was the "top spot" for what will be only the second major ice rink venue outside Belfast.

"Banbridge was definitely our first choice, mainly due to the infrastructure and excellent A1 road network linking up with the South," said Mr Curran. "We operate a similar-type ice dome in Dundalk and we envisage the demand and success will be just as good north of the border.

"Currently, we have leased land for 18 months up to two years for the semi-permanent rink and because the site is already prepared and levelled, Banbridge Ice Dome should be open for business by November this year.

"We have had tremendous help from the council who have been very quick to row in behind us and help us get to the stage where work can start."

A council spokesperson said the council was delighted to back "this exciting project" which was expected to become a major tourist attraction, offering an extensive programme of leisure activities, including hockey games, public skating sessions, teenage discos, theme nights and fashion shows.

The investors are also keen that the new ice rink will be used to increase particpation in ice hockey by building on the achievements of the Belfast Giants and developing a Celtic Cup league. The permanent structure is also set to provide a wider range of activities such as indoor surfing.

Brian Herron, Development Director with the Murdock Group added, "At a time when it is hard to win any new investment commitments, this is a terrific win for Banbridge. We know how much the council and the community want to see further development at Bridgewater Park."

Leisure and Development Committee chairman Stephen Herron said he was delighted both companies had chosen Banbridge for their new venture.

"We are delighted that these companies have identified the potential investment opportunity that Bridgewater Park in Banbridge has to offer," said Mr Herron. "This investment will hopefully send out a strong message to other potential investors that Banbridge is a place worth investing in.

"We hope this new development will be in the vanguard of the next wave of regeneration, bringing meaningful investment and continued growth to the area."

An order has already been placed with a Finnish company to supply the ice rink and it is anticipated the ice dome will open in November subject to planning approval.