Telford outdoor ice skating hope for the summer

Telford could get a temporary outdoor ice rink this summer if plans are approved for the scheme.

Telford & Wrekin Council is hoping to open the rink – which would measure 59ft by 43ft – while the current ice rink is renovated.

The temporary 'ice pad' would operate from June 4 to September 21, providing skating fans with somewhere to go while a £4 million upgrade is carried out at Telford ice rink.

Work on the ice rink is scheduled to start next month as part of the £250 million redevelopment of the Southwater area and is expected to create 29 jobs.

The last day of public skating at the ice rink will be on May 26 from 1pm to 3pm and the centre is expected to reopen this year.

A planning application has now been submitted for the temporary pad, which the council plans to operate between 8am and 6pm daily.

Rob McClelland, ice rink and commercial manager at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "Telford ice rink would like to construct an open air temporary skating rink directly outside Meeting Point House in Southwater Square.

"This will be used as a temporary solution for the continual provision of ice skating within the town centre area while Telford ice rink remains closed for refurbishment.

"It was felt that this was the optimum position this facility for the promotion and continual use of ice skating, with the footfall being at its highest within the summer period for family use between the town centre and the town park."

Planning officers are expected to approve the plans within the next few weeks to allow the pad to be installed and open by the start of June.

The £4 million revamp of Telford ice rink will include an extension to provide a new restaurant and bar, more toilets and soft play area.

Councillor Arnold England said: "The ice rink is Telford's biggest youth club, providing young people with a place to meet with friends, have fun and be active."