Plans for a new ice rink in Dudley town centre have sparked a wide range of opinions among local residents. The proposed development, located on Flood Street, is set to feature a 2,000-capacity arena intended to host ice hockey matches alongside recreational skating.
The £9 million scheme would be operated under the Planet Ice brand, with expectations to create up to 100 jobs and stimulate the local economy by approximately £40 million. The developers have announced that a planning application for the attraction is imminent.
Supporters of the proposal have expressed enthusiasm, particularly highlighting the opportunity it may offer for young people and sports enthusiasts. On the Black CountryLive Facebook page, Emily Deakin shared her excitement, stating: “We travel weekly from the Black Country to Coventry to watch ice hockey matches during the season! My son would love to play, but it’s too far to commit to twice-weekly training and matches. Maybe we are a minority, but if there was a good team, you’d fill 2,000 seats every game and provide a place for kids and teenagers to spend their evenings.”
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Similarly, David Taylor commented: “We travel from Stourbridge to Manchester every weekend to watch ice hockey. Nothing compares.” Steven Hunt also expressed his intention to support the team, saying: “I’m going to watch the team for sure!”
However, some residents voiced scepticism. Steven Briscow pointed out: “If it was such a positive thing, Merry Hill would have had it up and running by now. We need to focus on more pressing issues in Dudley.” Meanwhile, Suzanne Johnson Jordan recalled: “Heard this before at Castlegate, but it never happened.”
A spokesperson from Planet Ice responded to the varied opinions, stating: “As regional demand for ice sports reaches an all-time high, Planet Ice is proud to deliver first-class, premier services. We are especially excited to make history by bringing fast-action, premium ice hockey to the Black Country for the very first time!”