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Plans for 3,000 seater ice rink in Manchester city centre unveiled

Manchester Phoenix have unveiled plans for a brand new 3000 seater area with an Olympic-sized ice pad in the city centre.

The team have been playing in Altrincham ice rink for the last seven years but the new plans mean the team is closer to having a permanent home.

A number of sites in the city centre have been identified for the new arena and an application for planning permission has been prepared and will be submitted in due course.

Phoenix owner Neil Morris, said: “These plans are incredibly exciting and I can’t wait to bring senior ice hockey back to Manchester city centre.

“We owe it to the club’s supporters to do this and they know what it takes to make it happen.

“Along with over 100 volunteers, we made The Ice Dome a reality. I am confident it can happen again, wherever we go.

“The Manchester Phoenix faithful are the lifeblood of this club and they deserve a great venue.

“That is why I instructed architects to create plans for an arena with an Olympic-sized ice pad and 3,000 seats.”

Red Hockey Director Paul Baker, who was involved in organising venues at the London 2012 Olympics, said: “The history of ice hockey in Manchester, and especially with the Storm, is all about size.

“Lots of people in a wonderful, purpose-built facility.

“That is what we’re building towards. We want to put ice hockey back on the map in the city.

“Investment from Red Hockey is only part of the jigsaw, though.

“You can never do something like this without the help of partner agencies.

“That was one of the key successes of London 2012 and there is no reason why we can’t repeat it with Manchester.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .