GET READY TO SKATE... IN 2008? (From Bournemouth Echo)

GET READY TO SKATE... IN 2008?

9:58am Thursday 14th September 2006 in

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BOURNEMOUTH could have a new indoor ice rink within the next two years - if residents rally behind the plans.

The ambitious proposals to build a rink at Kings Park have been slowly moving forward, with a developer interested in working with the council.

And leisure bosses say the next hurdle will be convincing the Charity Commission, which could be a key player, that there is strong public support for the scheme.

If this is achieved, an outline planning application can be submitted next year with a view to opening a new rink in autumn 2008. Bournemouth has been without a permanent ice rink since the facility at Westover Road closed in 1991.

Several attempts to build a replacement - including a 1999 scheme for Kings Park - have since failed but in January, councillors unanimously backed the idea of creating a brand new rink.

An ice rink has also been the number one choice of residents writing, calling and e-mailing the Daily Echo since we asked what facilities were needed in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth council is the charitable trustee of the park and is accountable to the Charity Commission.

At Tuesday's full council meeting, cabinet member Cllr Bron Littlewood said: "The discussions with the Charity Commission concerning the potential use of land at Kings Park for an indoor ice rink have been constructive.

"Prior to considering any application from the council for consent for a lease on the charitable land, the commission will require, among other information, a justification for the selection of the site, evidence of strong public support following consultation and evidence as to how the facility will assist the charity in meeting its objectives.

"With the existing workload in leisure services, particularly on major capital projects, including Boscombe Spa Village, Bournemouth Pier and North Bournemouth, further work on the ice rink cannot realistically be undertaken until next spring.

"The proposed process will include site selection, public consultation, submission of an outline planning application, the issue of a development brief and the selection of a preferred developer/operator.

"Selection of a developer/operator by November 2007 would potentially enable the new facility to open in autumn 2008."

Cllr Ron Whittaker, who has long campaigned for a new ice rink, said he was hopeful the scheme would be delivered.

"The big issue now is getting widespread public support," he said.

"We've got to start to rally people to make the scheme a success.

"This is great news. I just hope this time it actually gets off the ground.

"We have had so many disappointments over so many years.

"It would be fantastic to see such a major leisure facility take off."