Ice rink on the move?

This is an archived news story from February 2010

Salford's ice rink could have a new home this year if councillors agree a move for the festive attraction.

Alternative venues, including Salford Quays, are being looked at in a bid to improve the pulling power of the event for would-be skaters and to offer more opportunities for partnership working.

Councillors will now look at the relocation options when they consider the city's events programme later in the year.

This year's rink saw more than 10,000 skaters take to the ice even though more than 30 sessions were lost due to the severe weather after new year.

The first week of the rink saw more advance ticket sales than ever before, mostly made up of school children.

While final budget figures for the rink are being calculated pending closedown of the budget, it has been staged within budget despite ticket income being lost and sponsorship support being hit by the recession.

Council deputy leader Cllr David Lancaster said: "The weather and the economic climate both had an impact this year but I am pleased that we were still able to stage a successful and popular event that so many people were able to enjoy.

"The event is not just about ticket sales it is also about the spin-off benefits for the whole city. Every visitor who comes down to skate has the opportunity to support the local economy.

"We've asked our visitors what they spend and when you multiply those figures across the weeks and the thousands of skaters we are talking a contribution to the local economy of easily more than £200,000."

Council leader Cllr John Merry added: "Our events programme for the city ranges from the rink to Proms in the Park to the food and drink festival and the film festival.

"They are all becoming established attractions which help raise the profile of our city and offer something of value to our residents.

"The way we've been able to stage these events on our own and with partners shows that council services can be more than just emptying bins, providing schools and offering social services. Our events service is adding real value to the cultural life of the city."

Date published: Friday, 26 February 2010
Reference number: 10-2571

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