Canberra’s new ice sports facility a step closer to being built

Following the ACT Government announcing its support of a detailed proposal, Canberra’s new ice sports facility - to be known as the Canberra Arena - is a step closer to being built in Tuggeranong.

Toward the end of 2022, the ACT Government announced it would support the detailed proposal for a new $45-50 million ice sports facility put forward by Cruachan Investments Pty Ltd (Crucahan) and its development partner, Pelligra Holdings Pty Ltd (Pelligra), following an expression of interest process and the signing of a Heads of Agreement.

The facility will meet the needs of Canberra’s growing ice sports community, create jobs and economic activity and provide the community with a great place to participate in and cheer on Canberra’s ice sport athletes including the national ice hockey champions, the CBR Brave.

The facility will also include an indoor rock climbing facility that will include all three Olympic disciples of lead, speed and bouldering. A range of environmentally sustainable features will be incorporated as part of the design, including solar panels to reduce energy consumption and the provision of LED sports lighting.

Cruachan, Director Stephen Campbell enthused “this is an exciting time for ice sports in the ACT. A new facility of international standard will provide the perfect environment to encourage more people to participate in ice sports and provide exceptional amenities for those spectating. We are looking forward to creating Australia’s first ice sports school program to give every young person the opportunity to engage in figure skating, ice hockey, broomball, speed skating and curling.

“Two sheets of ice will allow recreational skating in a fun and contemporary environment without interrupting an expanded sports program.”

ACT Ice Sports Federation President Tony Prescott added “the ACT Ice Sports Federation welcomes further progress towards establishing a new ice sports centre in Canberra. The ACT Ice Sports Federation is committed to partnering with the ACT Government along with Cruachan Investments and Pelligra Holdings to realise our dream of a state-of-the-art facility capable of meeting the future needs of all of our ice sports, and creating new opportunities and pathways for local kids. We anticipate the new facility also will become a national centre of excellence for ice sports and a natural home for local, national and international level ice sports events.”

ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry welcomed the proposal and said it would be a wonderful asset for the growing ice sports community noting “the new facility will feature two international standard ice sheets that will support the needs of figure skating, broomball, speed skating and ice hockey, as well as dedicated curling sheets – the first of its kind in Australia – and capacity for up to 3,600 spectators.”

The facility will deliver a range of amenities for players and officials, including change rooms, player benches, penalty boxes and judging platforms. Associated amenities to support the operation of the facility will include a retail/pro shop, skate rental facilities, café/kiosk and restaurant, office and administration space and concessions areas in the main ice rink.

Minister Berry added “this is a significant sporting infrastructure project for Tuggeranong and the ACT Government will commit $16 million towards the development of the new ice sports facility.

“The ACT Government looks forward to working with the Cruachan and Pelligra on this exciting new project for the Canberra community. I know the ACT Ice Sports Federation are also looking forward to working with Cruachan and Pelligra during the development of the ice sports facility to ensure the best possible outcome moving forward.”

As is the case for all developments in the ACT, Cruachan and Pelligra will engage with the community in relation to the proposed development prior to the lodgement of a formal Development Application.

At this time, Cruachan and Pelligra are aiming to open the new facility in 2025.