Macquarie Centre ice rink: Olympic-sized facility plans revealed
Sydney looks set to get a new world-class Olympic-sized ice rink following the release of fresh plans at Macquarie Centre. It comes less than two years after it was announced the current ageing rink would not be replaced. SEE THE STUNNING PLANS.
Northern District Times
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A ‘world class’ Olympic-sized ice rink has been included in an updated development application for Macquarie Centre.
The latest DA, lodged by AMP Capital, for the Herring Road Corner Podium at Macquarie Centre has been recently lodged with Ryde Council.
“A centre piece of the DA is an Olympic sized ice rink, which has an iconic design and is located at the ‘front door’ of the centre,” A Macquarie Centre spokesman said.
It comes almost two years since AMP Capital lodged an application to redevelop the centre in January 2019 which included demolishing the current ice rink, triggering widespread public protest.
AMP Capital Divisional Development Manager Ben Matthews said, “We listened to the community and have produced an impressive, new design for an Olympic sized ice rink.
“We are delighted with the productive engagement we have had with the users of the ice rink, and incorporating their feedback and wishes has been critical to informing our new design.
“This proposed development recognises and celebrates the importance of sporting and recreational activities in the region, as the new Olympic sized ice rink will be the entry point of Macquarie Centre, and will draw visitors from across Sydney”, he said.
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Other features in the updated DA also include the creation of a station plaza, a new outdoor space that will better connect to the nearby Metro station and bus interchange.
It will also include a new retail podium and 500 car park spaces in new basement and roof deck parking.
Macquarie Centre management said it recognised that Ryde Council was continuing its efforts to get local heritage listing for the ice rink.
“Macquarie Centre recognises the desire of City of Ryde Council to place a heritage listing to maintain an Olympic sized ice rink at the centre, and has prepared and lodged an amended Development Application which recognises the ice rink’s significance to the community,” the spokesman said.
Macquarie Ice Rink skating director Monica MacDonald said: “Everyone at the rink is very excited. AMP have kept us to date along the way. They’ve been absolutely fantastic and we can’t be happier with what has been shown to us.
“We’re really excited.”
When asked what’s she’s most excited about she said, “Oh my gosh, everything.”
“It’s a world-class facility, my husband John Dunn the manager of the rink and I travel the world with skaters who compete. We have been to some of the best ice rinks in the world and this one is up there with the very best.”
Ryde MP Victor Dominello said he was “overjoyed” to hear the news.
“This is such a fantastic outcome for the community. Compared to where we were two years ago where there was a real risk that the ice rink was going to be torn down for good.
“The community outcome has gone from zero to hero and I couldn’t be happier. All I want to see is the brand new ice rink.”
Ryde mayor Jerome Laxale said, it was a huge win for the community.
“Council resolved that an Olympic size ice rink is all we expect,” he said.
“Hats off to AMP Capital for listening to the community. I encourage everyone to have their say when it’s on exhibition.”
AMP Capital’s DA has been lodged with council and will be assessed by staff before it will go to the local planning panel to determine.