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Petition to Restore the Island Ice Rink and Arena

We call on the council to support the proposal to return the former ice rink building to its rightful use as a fully functioning ice rink and multi-use arena for the Island community.

A local group presented a detailed and well-received business plan to the council many months ago and are now fully prepared to move forward with restoring and developing the venue for the benefit of the wider community. Their proposal would not only bring ice sports back to the Island, but also transform the venue into a wider community hub with additional activities and facilities that would benefit people of all ages and backgrounds.

The arena was once far more than just an ice rink. It was a major leisure attraction, a social centre, and a place where families, young people, sports clubs, schools, and visitors came together. Restoring it would once again provide opportunities for recreation, fitness, social connection, tourism, and local economic growth.

The continued demand for an ice rink is clear, with many Island residents still regularly travelling to the mainland to take part in skating and ice sports due to the lack of local facilities. The building’s location is also ideal, situated directly next to the ferry and hover transport links, making it easily accessible for both Island residents and visitors from the mainland. Reopening the arena would not only benefit the local community, but would also help attract more visitors to the Island, as an ice rink and multi-use arena would be a unique leisure and sporting venue for the area and the wider south coast.

At present, while most other sports on the Island are catered for with multiple facilities and options, there is no provision at all for ice sports. This leaves local residents without access to skating, ice hockey, figure skating, curling, and other activities that many communities elsewhere enjoy year-round.

Importantly, the infrastructure for an arena already exists, and funding opportunities are available. With proper management and a realistic, community-focused approach, this would be a viable and sustainable business capable of serving the whole Island for generations to come.

We ask the council to:

•Fully consider and support the existing proposal to restore the arena as an ice rink and community venue.

•Ensure councillors and the wider public are properly informed about the proposal before any alternative development decisions are made.

•Protect this important community asset from being lost to unsuitable development.

•Give the Island the opportunity to regain a unique leisure, sporting, and social facility that benefits the entire community.

The community deserves the chance to bring ice sports and a true multi-purpose arena back to the Island. Now is the time to support a project that brings people together, promotes healthy lifestyles, boosts local business, and creates a lasting positive future for everyone.