Goodwood Park is preferred location for new Hobart ice rink, which would cost $40m

Tasmanian ice sports athletes who have had no rink to skate in for two years, have welcomed news of a potential path to opening a new one. Here’s what’s needed to make it happen.

Olivia Rayner at the Glenorchy Ice Rink, who was worried about the rink closing. (2021 image) Picture: Richard Jupe

Tasmanian ice sports athletes who have had no rink to skate in for two years, after the closure of the state’s only facility, have welcomed news of a potential path to opening a new one.

The state government released the results of a feasibility study, which revealed a preferred location of Goodwood Park, and Kingborough Sports Centre as an alternative.

The study also provided an estimate of $40m to make the new rink a reality, funds which would need to be secured through private investment.

Ice Sports Tasmania president Anna Holliday said it was exciting to hope of the rink’s return

“Todays announcement is a significant milestone. This is confirmation we’re going to get the rink,” Ms Holliday said.

Ice Sports Tasmania President Anna Holliday at the launch of the short film "Little Rink, Big Dreams" at Wrest Point. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We have still got a journey to go, but it’s validating our voices have been heard and valued.”

The old Glenorchy Ice Skating Rink had operated for 42 years before it was sold to a private investor.

Its closure meant athletes had to travel interstate to continue their training.

“The ice sports community have had a very long wait, it’s been two years,” Ms Holliday said.

“In that time athletes and the community have had no facility, many have had to travel interstate, but the majority can’t afford that.

“A significant number of our athletes were feeling disconnected, they’d experienced emotional trauma and were less physically active.

“It’s had a significant impact on their wellbeing and the health of those athletes.”

She said several had contact her in the morning, excited by the prospect of training in Tasmania.

“They’ve been desperate to hear whether a rink would ever return,” she said.

“It’s a huge sigh of relief that they’ll be able to do their sport locally.

“They’re excited to get back on the ice.”

Glenorchy City Council acting mayor Sue Hickey welcomed the announcement of the Goodwood site as the preferred location, but she said nothing was set in stone.

“That parcel of council-owned land is currently leased until 2027 by a model car club

and includes a track for racing remote-control cars,” Ms Hickey said.

“While Council has had initial discussions with this tenant, further consultation would

need to occur should any plan be finalised.”

Ms Hickey said the closure of the old rink was felt across the Glenorchy community.

“The closure of the privately-owned ice rink that operated in Glenorchy for more than four decades was keenly felt both by the community and the many people who participate in ice sports,” she said.

“I’m pleased that Glenorchy may be able to again host an ice rink.”

Best location for new ice rink revealed, but project won’t come cheap

June 20, 5am

There’s hope Hobart could once again have its very own ice rink, after Tasmania’s only facility closed for good in 2022, but the vision won’t be possible without private investment.

The old Glenorchy Ice Skating Rink had operated for 42 years before it was sold to a private investor.

It meant ice sport athletes, who wish to continue competing, were forced to travel interstate.

Athletes protesting the closure of the Glenorchy Ice Skating Rink in 2022. Picture: Chris Kidd

The state government has now released the results of a feasibility study into opening a new rink.

After discussions with Glenorchy, Kingborough and Clarence Councils, a shortlist of sites was narrowed down to two viable options.

Goodwood Park is the preferred site and the Kingborough Sports Precinct is the alternative.

“The entire site is currently leased to a club through to January 2027, and would require negotiation with the current tenant for an agreement to relocate their club and facilities to a new site if the site was to be utilised prior to that date,” the government’s feasibility report said.

The report said the Glenorchy Council would unlikely be able to provide capital funding for the project and did not want responsibility for owning or managing the site.

Olivia Rayner at the Glenorchy Ice Rink, who was worried about the rink closing. (2021 image) Picture: Richard Jupe

But the project won’t come cheap, it’s estimated a new ice rink would cost upwards of $40m.

Acting sports minister Nick Duigan said the facility would only be possible if private sector support could be secured.

“As we have always said, this development will require the private sector to step in and be confident that the build and ongoing operation is viable and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to provide a blueprint for that,” Mr Duigan said.

Minister Nick Duigan. Parliament Question Time Picture: Chris Kidd

“We appreciate the patience of the Tasmanian ice sports community as we’ve worked constructively and positively with them to get to this pivotal point.

“The Department of State Growth will now continue its work to develop an Expression of Interest package for potential private investors.”

The study found, if built, there could be up to 125000 visits to a rink each year.

It said at the time of the old rink’s closure there were 450 active members, including figure skaters and ice hockey players.

Originally published as Goodwood Park is preferred location for new Hobart ice rink, which would cost $40m