$20M Marion ice rink proposal to go out to public consultation

A proposal from a group of private investors to build an international standard ice rink and rock climbing facility in Marion has been endorsed by the City of Marion with the proposed lease agreement to go out for public consultation.

The Pelligra Group want to build the $20 million venture on a 10,000sqm site at 262 Sturt Road that they plan to lease from Council for 42-years. Ice Rinks Adelaide will be the operator of the arena.

The site is owned by Council and is classified as “Community Land” so the intention to lease and subsequent changes to the Community Land Management Plan will go out for public consultation before any formal deal is signed.

The arena venture is smaller in scale than an original two-rink proposal put to the council back in 2018 and involves no capital investment from the council.

The developers would pay rent over the term of the lease and offer discounts for City of Marion residents who use the facility.

They are also required to satisfy all planning requirements including consideration of traffic and parking.

The lease agreement would give the City of Marion the option to purchase the arena from the private consortium, for an amount agreed to by both parties, at the end of 42 years.

If the proposal is formally signed off, work on the facility would start later this year.

Once completed, the arena will boast an international standard ice rink with a seating capacity of up to 450 spectators.

The rink is expected to be the home of South Australia’s Australian Ice Hockey League team, Adelaide Adrenaline, possibly in time for the 2024 season.

The facility is also planned to have international competition rock climbing walls for Sport Climbing, recreational rock climbing and bouldering, themed rock climbing walls for children, a pro shop, kiosk, and children’s play café.

“Marion Council is satisfied that the best use of this land, in one of our premier recreation precincts, is a world-class ice rink. Seating for 450 will allow the facility to be used for a wide range of events,” Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said.

“We will now ask the community and we hope they agree! We love the fact that a world-class recreation facility will be provided, with discounts for our residents, without a capital contribution from Council.”

Ross Pelligra from the Pelligra Group said: “The Pelligra Group's partnership with the City of Marion council and Ice Rinks Adelaide is another demonstration of our commitment to build and invest in sports and entertainment infrastructure in South Australia.

“Ice sports and rock climbing are incredibly exciting activities for both participants and spectators and we look forward to being part of that community. We believe there is enormous potential for these sports and we're proud to be able to provide the necessary investment into facilities that will allow them to flourish.”

Stephen Campbell from Ice Rinks Adelaide said: "The Marion Arena will provide ice sports athletes and rock climbers with an international standard venue that will accommodate the urgent demand for such facilities and enable greater participation in unique sporting and recreational activities.

“The site is the perfect location and will complement our planned central and northern facilities, giving unprecedented access for sporting and recreational use. This is an exciting time for those involved in ice sports who have long awaited the announcement of new facilities.”

Steve Moeller, South Australian Ice Sports Federation President said: “This proposed facility is a great step forward and has the potential to be a huge boost for the growth of ice sports in South Australia.

“Starting with the Marion facility and with more new facilities across Adelaide, this venture will provide our current members with opportunities to advance their sports and give the South Australian Ice Sports Federation the confidence to develop other ice sports in the state. The Federation is excited about the future and looking forward to working with Ice Rinks Adelaide, to provide ice sports participants with much-needed facilities across the Adelaide metropolitan area.”

The site is currently used by the Marion Croquet Club. Members have been informed of the decision. The club does not currently have a lease agreement with the council.

City of Marion residents can participate in the community consultation via the Council’s Making Marion website.

Image: Artist’s impression of the proposed ice arena at 262 Sturt Road, Marion. The intention to lease community land will go out for public consultation.

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