Council in talks with developers for Dudley ice rink

It comes after a campaign was launched calling on Dudley Council to help build one in the borough.

Council leader Patrick Harley says negotiations are currently ongoing about the feasibility of the project.

He says an ice rink could also be built as part of a new entertainment arena which has been mooted for Dudley as well.

Talks are currently at the very early stages but Councillor Harley is confident the project will become a reality.

He said: "It is about creating footfall and a night time economy.

"We are working on a few other projects to create that night time economy but we have got very little at the moment.

"We want something that is about more attractive to the under-35s at the moment.

"You have places at Tamworth, Telford, and Solihull - they are extremely popular.

"If they are popular there, why wouldn't they be popular in Dudley?"

The Black Country doesn't have an ice-skating rink, with the nearest locations being those three areas.

Revenue

Dudley used to have one years ago opposite the Station Hotel, said Councillor Alan Finch.

Such a project would tie in with the ongoing redevelopment of Dudley town centre, which includes building a new tram line and bus station.

Councillor Finch, who has backed the petition, said a suitable location could be Flood Street car park.

However, Councillor Harley said this isn't a good location due to upcoming developments for that area including a new leisure centre and tram stop.

Planners are currently looking at the Portersfield area - where Cavendish House recently stood before its demolition - as a possible location.

However another idea is to "incorporate" an ice rink into a proposed new stadium.

Councillor Harley compared this idea to MK Dons' stadium where "they hold corporate and sporting events" alongside football, he said.

He added: "We need to make sure these things generate enough revenue to do it ourselves. Or we will look at working with another party to pay for most of it."