National Ice Sports Centre On Track
30th October, 2008

Construction of a National Ice Sports Centre at Docklands is scheduled to begin early next year after the Brumby Government secured a financial partnership for the project.

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said the Brumby Government would contribute $10 million towards the National Ice Sports Centre, which will be the first of its kind in Australia.

“The $58 million National Ice Sports Centre will be a world-class facility and complement Victoria’s elite network of sporting facilities and precincts that help make Melbourne the best sporting events city in the world,’’ Mr Merlino said.

“The National Ice Sports Centre 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 Centre will also be the home of the Olympic Winter Institute and the national base for Olympic training, helping to support our elite athletes training to compete on the world stage. It will be open to the general public, making it a wonderful addition to the other excellent entertainment options on offer at Docklands.

Mr Merlino also said the National Ice Sports Centre was a welcome investment in Victoria’s tourism and sporting industries, particularly in the current economic climate.

“The Brumby Government is working to support and drive investment in Victoria and the National Ice Sports Centre will be a significant benefit to the state economy,’’ he said.

Olympic Winter Institute of Australia Chairman Geoff Henke said the National Ice Sports Centre was a first for Australia. 

“It’s a brilliant concept that gives new life to the long tradition of ice sports in Melbourne. The National Ice Sports Centre will become the official headquarters of the Olympic Winter Institute, and the cornerstone of national excellence, producing future Olympic champions,” Mr Henke said.

The Centre will be a partnership with real estate developer ING, who today confirmed its financial commitment to the project and said that a planning application has been lodged with VicUrban.

ING Real Estate Development Australia Chief Executive Officer Greg Boyd said construction of the Centre was scheduled to begin in early 2009.

“In addition to Harbour Town shopping centre and the iconic Southern Star Observation Wheel, the National Ice Sports Centre will add even further to the exciting entertainment and retail destination at Waterfront City when it is forecast to open in early 2010,” Mr Boyd said.