Pelligra Group unveils $20m plans for Marion ice arena and rock climbing facility

A property tycoon has promised to build a $20m ice arena in Adelaide’s southern suburbs - with another set to follow in the city’s north.

A VICTORIAN property magnate plans to spend tens of millions of dollars building ice arenas in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs.

The Pelligra Group wants to lease a 10,000sq m parcel of land owned by Marion Council while also negotiating with Playford Council to secure another site at Elizabeth.

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.

Marion mayor Kris Hanna announced on Thursday that his council had agreed to a proposal for a $20m international standard ice rink and rock climbing facility on a site on Sturt Rd currently occupied by the Marion Croquet Club,

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.

Mr Hanna said the proposed lease would be sent out for public consultation as it involved community land.

“Marion Council is satisfied that the best use of this land, in one of our premier recreation precincts, is a world-class ice rink,” he said.

Mr Hanna said the facility would have seating for 450 people and could be used “for a wide range of events”.

Private developers have put forward a proposal to build a $20m ice arena and rock climbing facility at 262 Sturt Road, Marion. Picture: City of Marion

“We love the fact that a world-class recreation facility will be provided without a capital contribution from council,” he said.

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

Mr Pelligra said his company’s partnership with Marion Council and an ice rink provider, Ice Rinks Adelaide, was “another demonstration of our commitment to build and invest in sports and entertainment infrastructure in South Australia”.

“Ice sports and rock climbing are incredibly exciting activities for both participants and spectators and we look forward to being part of that community,” he said.

The Melbourne-based property owner also announced on Thursday that he had added women’s basketball team Adelaide Lightning to his growing sports portfolio, which also included the Adelaide Giants baseball team.

He also has expressed interest in buying the Adelaide United soccer club.

Mr Pelligra has been acquiring properties across Adelaide since buying the former Holden site at Elizabeth.

He recently met behind closed doors with Playford councillors to discuss plans for an ice arena – part of a stalled council project to rejuvenate the Elizabeth CBD.

Having a good time at an ice skating arena. Picture: iStock