A petition is before City of Marion council condemning the $20m ice skating rink

The City of Marion has responded after residents united to stop an ice-skating rink in its tracks, saying the $20m project will have a “detrimental impact” on its residents.

Passionate southern suburb residents are putting on their skates to stop a $20 million dollar development happening in their backyard as the council delays talks to consider their concerns.

Around 32 Marion residents have put pen to paper in the hopes of stopping the proposed ice skating rink along Sturt Road.

In a petition submitted to the City of Marion, it states that not only do the residents not agree with proposal but that it will negatively impact the surround residents.

Private developers have put forward a proposal to build a $20m ice arena and rock climbing facility on City of Marion land at Marion. Picture: City of Marion

“We ask that the council please consider maintaining the existing land management plan and recognise that the proposed changes will not benefit Marion residents, but in contrast will have detrimental impacts on the area and its residents,” the petition says.

“We request that council reject the proposal for the alienation of Community Land by lease or

licence for a term up to 42 years, that allows for the construction of a multi-sport recreation

facility.”

Victoria’s The Pelligra Group revealed in May they planned to lease a 10,000sqm parcel of land owned by the Marion council while also negotiating with Playford Council to secure another site at Elizabeth.

The Marion arena would have international competition-rated rock climbing walls, recreational rock climbing and bouldering, themed rock climbing walls for children, a kiosk and a children’s play cafe.

The company’s owner, Ross Pelligra, has told the two councils he wants to revive previous projects to build large ice arenas which were abandoned because of financial issues.

Mr Pelligra had offered to build and operate the facility, with the option for Marion Council to buy it at the end of the 42-year lease.

Upset locals have also flooded the council’s Facebook page expressing their concern for the development.

“Absolute waste of money,” Julie Thomson wrote.

“Traffic is already an issue on Sturt Road, is the road going to be widened?

“Noise will be an issue considering the ice motors will need to run 24/7.”

A spokesman for the Marion Bowling Club, which on the land, said he was hopeful for a more inclusive space.

“The bowling club doesn’t have a strong view either way,” the spokesman said.

“While our preference would probably be for it to be used as open space (ie more playing fields), it is up to council to determine what is the best use of the space.

“We have some concerns regarding the need for extra parking and access in and out of the car park onto Sturt Road and we have advised council of these concerns.”

City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna confirmed on Wednesday that talks for the project have been put on hold due to the concerns surrounding car parking and traffic.

“Overall two thirds of the respondence from the consultation supported the concept,” Mayor Hanna said.

“However, the City of Marion councillors asked for further clarity around the parking and traffic solutions that have been raised by the community.

“I have alway been upfront that it is an issue and it certainly was raised in the consultation so it must be addressed by the developer for this proposal to succeed.”

The proposal will return for mention at July’s council meeting.