The New South Wales (NSW) Government of Australia has approved the refurbishment of the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, a community facility that has been closed since mid-2022 due to structural issues.
The state has committed up to A$17.7m ($11.1m) to modernise the centre, with the Sydney South Planning Panel approving the development application.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The approved plans include a new roof, concrete ice floor, barrier system, skate hire facilities, upgraded changing rooms, and modernised spectator seating areas.
Artist renderings reveal that the redeveloped centre will accommodate up to 300 people.
The refurbishment is set to elevate the over-five-decade-old facility to modern competition standards, providing high-class amenities for Olympic hopefuls.
The upgrades are expected to attract over 120,000 visitors annually and cater to 1,200 skaters weekly. Additionally, 1,000 students will regularly access the rink through the School Sport Program.
The rink, operated by a not-for-profit cooperative board, also offers the Inclusive Skating programme, supporting around 100 skaters with disabilities.
Opened in 1971 as a former aircraft hangar, the rink is one of only two Olympic-sized ice rinks in Sydney and has been a training ground for over 20 Olympic ice skaters, including Steven Bradbury and Stephen Carr.
The project’s anticipated completion is in early 2026.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “It is exciting to hear that this fantastic facility has been given the green light so it can serve as a rink for the Canterbury community for many years to come.
“The new and improved ice rink will deliver state and national bodies in figure skating and ice hockey a fantastic facility to host events at the state, national and international level.”
In related news, the NSW Government has also announced that the transformation of the Cutaway at Barangaroo into a cultural destination has reached the halfway point.
