A proposal to revamp part of Dudley town centre has moved a step closer after council bosses were shown the findings of an extensive feasibility study.
The project on Flood Street includes a 2,000-seater ice rink which would accommodate a new ice hockey team, skating lessons and public sessions.
The development will also reportedly include a new hotel and other leisure facilities, which could attract 250,000 visitors per year once completed.
Live music and combat sports are among the events which could be hosted in the new arena, while there have been rumours locally that gaming could be incorporated into the wider development.
The growth of online casino platforms has sparked a resurgence in demand for land-based venues, and adding such a facility would be a significant boost to the overall project.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, has spearheaded the push to regenerate the Flood Street area of the West Midlands town.
“I am delighted that the results of the viability study confirm that there would be a demand for an ice rink in Dudley,” he said.
“It would be a fantastic asset for the town and with a Metro stop right outside – it will bring hundreds of thousands of people every year to our borough.
“It will also create jobs for our residents, as well as giving us a state-of-the-art arena to host other events like boxing matches or concerts.
“The icing on the cake would be the creation of a professional ice hockey team based in Dudley for fans to cheer on. It is a no-brainer for me and a project I have been driving for several years, so I am delighted to see it is coming closer to fruition.”
The Flood Street scheme was initially part of a £82 million redevelopment plan for the site of the former Cavendish House office building which was demolished four years ago.
The proposal failed to get off the ground, but a new plan was formulated after the West Midlands Growth Company agreed to spend £50,000 on a viability assessment.
With everything pointing towards the project being given the green light, other associated redevelopment plans could also be triggered.
These include the construction of around 400 new homes, which would further boost an area of the town which desperately needs improving.
While the project looks extremely exciting for the Midlands region, questions have been raised about the suitability of the potential rink operator.
Planet Ice operates more than a dozen ice rinks across the United Kingdom but has often been criticised for questionable business practices.
The company’s failure to keep its rink in Basingstoke properly maintained sparked widespread criticism, while their involvement in several other locations has come under fire.
Fans of Basingstoke Bison have led the chorus of disapproval, with their team currently unable to play in the National Ice Hockey League due to the state of their rink.
Dudley citizens will be hoping the company adopts a more proactive approach to their rink if the proposal is eventually rubber-stamped by the council.
