Minister Barr: New ice sports facility for CBR one step closer
- Written by ACT Government
Released 03/09/2020 - Joint media release
A new twin sheet ice sports facility for Canberra will be built in Tuggeranong following the selection of a proponent to develop a detailed proposal.
The ACT Government previously indicated its preference for any future facility to be located in south Canberra, and the identified site on Rowland Rees Crescent in Greenway will ensure the facility is located near other sporting facilities and is well connected to the Tuggeranong Town Centre and public transport options.
Construction of the ice sports facility in Tuggeranong is another ACT Government supported project that will create more jobs for more Canberrans. Jobs will be created during the construction phase and in the operation of the new facility.
Thank you to the ice sporting community for their patience throughout this process as the ACT Government works to ensure the best community outcome.
Last year, the ACT Government undertook an expression of interest (EOI) process to seek a suitably qualified and experienced party to design, construct, own, operate and maintain a new ice sports facility in Canberra.
This process identified Cruachan Investments Pty Ltd (Cruachan) as the suitable proponent. Cruachan’s initial proposal met the requirements set out in the EOI, which specified the delivery of two Olympic-sized ice rinks, associated change rooms and amenities for participants and officials and spectator capacity for 2,000.
The Government will now commence a direct negotiation process with Cruachan that will result in a detailed proposal being submitted for consideration.
It is anticipated Cruachan’s detailed proposal will be submitted to the Government in early 2021.
A review of the preferred site in Greenway will also be undertaken to ensure it is suitable for the proposed development.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry, said “This is an exciting step for Canberra, particularly for the sports but also for the wider community as this will provide a new recreational facility for everyone to enjoy.
“In 2016, the ACT Government made a commitment to look at options for a new ice sports facility. This announcement goes beyond that commitment and brings Canberra a big step closer to the construction of a new facility.
Quotes attributable to Stephen Campbell, Director of Cruachan Investments Pty Ltd:
“We are pleased to be selected as the preferred proponent to design, construct, and operate the ACT ice sports facility. We look forward to working with the ACT Government and the ACT Ice Sports Federation to create a World Class Arena that will attract national and international events and provide a new home to improve access and growth in ice sports. The future for ice sports in the ACT is exciting and we’re proud to be a part of it.” Stephen Campbell, Cruachan Investments.
Quotes attributable to Tony Prescott, President of the ACT Ice Sports Federation:
"Our faith in the process the ACT Government established from the outset has never wavered," said ACT Ice Sports Federation president Tony Prescott, "and in the current circumstances, it speaks volumes that both the investors' and government's confidence in our proposal for a new twin-sheet national ice sports centre has continued to attract significant support.
"New infrastructure for the nation's capital, be it health, education, public transport or sports facilities, is always welcome both for the short-term benefit associated with the construction jobs, as well as the longer-term community participation opportunities and the economic windfalls derived from major events which will feed into the hotel, hospitality, restaurant and tourism sectors."
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
