Macquarie Ice Rink saved from demolition after community backlash

It took a massive community uprising, but people power has prevailed in a David versus Goliath battle to save the treasured Macquarie Ice Rink.

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People power has won the day in the fight to save the treasured Macquarie Ice Rink, with AMP Capital backing down on plans to demolish it as part of a $195 million shopping-centre redevelopment.

It took a massive community campaign, led by the Northern District Times over the past fortnight, but the corporate giant has revealed after a meeting with ice rink owner Dr Frank Gregg this morning that Macquarie Centre’s future would include an Olympic-sized Ice Rink.

“We have listened to community feedback. Their outpouring of support shows us they are passionate about retaining an Olympic-sized facility,” Mark Kirkland, managing director of AMP Capital Shopping Centres, said.

Our campaign leader: Olympian Steven Bradbury cut his teeth at the Macquarie Ice Rink before going on the gold medal glory at the 2002 Winter Games.

“We know that any redevelopment also needs to continue to evolve Macquarie Centre’s unique entertainment and leisure facilities, provide additional civic space, expand night-life activities and improve connections to public transport.

“AMP Capital remains committed to delivering an outstanding development for the broader North West Sydney community (and) we have a lot of hard work to do to bring this to fruition.”

Dr Gregg thanked the Times and said this was a “great result for the community”.

“We had a very positive meeting with AMP this morning and they have listened to the public,” he said.

Dr Frank Gregg, owner of the Macquarie Ice Rink, at the extraordinary meeting of Ryde Council this week which saw councillors vote 10-1 to call on AMP Capital to retain the Olympic-sized ice rink.

“There is a long way to go but things are looking positive.

“At this stage I would again like to thank the public, rink staff, the media and all the politicians for their wonderful support.”

Ryde Labor Mayor Jerome Laxale said people power had “achieved a monumental result”.

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this campaign,” he said.

“Credit also to AMP Capital for listening to the community.”

Skaters Erin McGiffen and Michelle Kezerle will be all smiles today with the news of the Olympic-sized Macquarie Ice Rink being saved from demolition.

Ryde State Liberal MP Victor Dominello said: “I welcome AMP Capital’s decision to retain the ice rink and thank the community for their advocacy and support.

“This is great news for the community and a victory for people power,” he said.

“The ice rink is a vital community asset and today’s decision will ensure it is protected and preserved for current and future generations.”

The big community win came after more than 50,000 people signed various petition to save the rink, home to Winter Olympians, Australia’s biggest ice-hockey teams, and hundreds of children each week.

News has gone viral on social media with thousands of shares and comments on Facebook.

“Best news ever!!!!! thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!” Dasha Gonetskaya wrote.

Mel Tan said: “I’m actually crying with joy!”

And Nicky Taylor added: “Nice job, NDT! Congrats, huge win. So stunned and grateful that community won out. Well done everyone!!”