Eastlands set for Phoenix Ice Dome

A deal has been agreed to convert the derelict Hall & Rogers building in Eastlands, owned by Manchester City Council, into a 1,250-seat ice hockey arena.

The plan from Ice Dome Ltd, led by the managing director of the Manchester Phoenix ice hockey team, will see £2.5m invested into the conversion of the vacant block on the corner of Ashton New Road and Hillkirk Street, with “a view to bringing ice-based sports back to Manchester”.

Manchester Phoenix was formerly based at Altrincham Silver blades but terminated its agreement last year.

Subject to the approval of planning applications, the Manchester Ice Dome is due to open to the public in late September.

The Ice Dome will include 1,000 seats, with an additional 250 standing capacity, alongside a bar, hospitality area and café.

The building will be used on an interim basis for Manchester Phoenix over the next five years, while Manchester City Council works with the team to find suitable long-term accommodation.

Cllr Luthfur Rahman, executive member for culture and leisure for Manchester City Council, said: “Serving as the home of Manchester Phoenix Premiership and Junior ice hockey teams, the proposed ice arena will become a centre of excellence for the National Ice Skating Association of Great Britain and a hub for the British ice dance and synchronised skating teams.

“The arena will be available to residents and school groups for recreational ice-skating, skating lessons, plus after-school and holiday clubs for young people.

“This proposal, which does not require any financial support from the council, would see a currently disused building brought back to beneficial use, significantly enhancing the local leisure offer and the regeneration of East Manchester. It will create new jobs and offer opportunities to young people to develop their talents across a range of ice sports, as well as providing a home for a major professional ice hockey team here in Manchester.”