$30 million ice arena on the way to Adelaide’s west

A $30 MILLION recreation hub with two Olympic-sized ice rinks and a rock-climbing wall is a step closer to setting up in Adelaide’s west.

Ice hockey players Michelle and Jake Riley, rock climber Koa Weber and figure Skater Madi Dempsey are exciting at the prospect of the largest ice rink in southern suburbs. Picture:AAP/ Keryn Stevens

A $30 MILLION recreation centre with two Olympic-size ice rinks and a rock-climbing wall is one step closer to setting up at Marion.

Ice Rinks Adelaide, the owner of the planned $40 million Playford Arena in Adelaide’s north, has been chosen as the preferred developer of under-utilised land currently occupied by Marion Croquet Club on Sturt Rd.

It will now prepare a business case for the 10,000sq m site, next to the Club Marion sporting and community centre, before Marion Council reviews the report in February.

With capacity for between 600 and 1200 spectators, Marion Arena would have two Olympic-size rinks — one for ice-skating and another for sports such as hockey and curling.

The company’s director, Stephen Campbell, was excited his proposal was successful.

“We have until February to present, alongside detailed drawing and plans, traffic management of vehicles getting to and from Sturt Rd as well as carparking,” Mr Campbell said.

The Marion complex, which would be slightly smaller than the proposed Elizabeth site, would open in late 2020 or early 2021, if approved.

Artist impression of the Playford Arena to be built at Elizabeth. ARTWORK: SUPPLIED

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna stressed that the proposal was “conditional” and the council sought a business plan to specifically address traffic and parking issues at the site. “It’s not a done deal but it’s another milestone towards what would be a very well-used site,” he said.

“Having a building where we can have 1000 people seated is something that we need in Marion — not just for ice- skating, but also for concerts and conventions.”

Ice Rinks Adelaide approached Marion Council earlier this year with a proposal for a sporting and recreation hub on the site.

In May, the council called for expressions of interest from all sports or community groups interested in buying or leasing the site and developing it for recreational use.

Two proposals were received and Ice Rinks Adelaide was selected behind closed doors last week before Mr Campbell was notified officially on Sunday.

Croquet club president Pauline Evans urged the council to find a new home for its members rather than being forced to join other groups in the area.