In July 2020 we gave the go-ahead to IPW Ltd to proceed with a Feasibility Study into the demand and financial viability of a new ice centre for Glasgow.
We asked ice users from all communities – curlers, skaters and ice-hockey players – to let us know what was important to them and we were delighted with the volume and quality of the responses.
Your Priorities from the Survey:
- Separate Ice Pads
- Separate Changing Rooms
- Accessible and Inclusive
- Viewing
- Good Transport Links
- Car Parking
- Cafe/Bar
To all our supporters who donated so generously to help raise the funds for the Study and to the Kiltwalk and the Hunter Foundation who made such a difference by boosting our total.
Our independent Ice Sports consultants IPW Ltd, examined three options in detail:
- Single ice pad shared by all sports
- Twin pads
- Arena style venue
They concluded that the second option of two separate pads was the most financially viable and they have provided a report with detail on design, utilisation, finance, and operations which we can use to attract developers and operators.
Our key priority is to firm up on on a location
IPW and the Project Team have looked at many possible sites this year and we are in on-going discussions with Clyde Gateway, City Property, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterpise.
We have also posted a flyer on LinkedIn and sent it to local agents who may have suitable land or property.
IPW has detailed building and plant designs which can be adjusted for the size and shape of the final site. Their designs meet Glasgow City Council’s net zero carbon agenda to be a carbon neutral city by 2030. IPW recommendations include establishing a suitably experienced Operator as a partner and a funding route which would allow us to take forward the business plan to the next stage. Our search will include the public agencies that bring a potentially particularly attractive financial route. Developer builds rink with an operator guaranteed rent, which is used to repay loan
Utilising access to public sector low cost of capital. This entertainment and sports funding model is the approach used for arenas and sports facilities throughout the UK.