TraffordCity Arena, a new state-of-the-art ice rink and concert venue, has been granted planning permission, representing a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Trafford. The development promises to deliver a multifaceted entertainment hub that will serve as the future home of the Manchester Storm ice hockey team while creating over fifty permanent jobs in the local area.
A Major Boost for Trafford's Leisure Landscape
The approved TraffordCity Arena will be constructed on the former Soccer Dome site within Trafford City, strategically positioned alongside other major leisure attractions such as The Snow Centre, Trafford Golf Centre, and the forthcoming £450 million Therme Manchester wellness resort. This clustering of facilities is designed to establish TraffordCity as a premier regional destination for sport, entertainment, and family activities.
World-Class Facilities and Diverse Programming
The arena is planned as a versatile, year-round venue with a capacity for up to 3,000 people. It will be operated by Planet Ice, marking one of their largest UK facilities. The programming is set to be extensive, including:
- Professional ice hockey games featuring the Manchester Storm, who will relocate from Altrincham Ice Arena.
- Public ice skating sessions and structured skating lessons for all ages.
- Live concerts, film screenings, and immersive experiential events.
- Approximately 20,000 square feet of ancillary space dedicated to family restaurants, bars, and VIP hospitality areas.
James Whittaker, Managing Director at Peel Waters, which is delivering the scheme in partnership with ICITIES, hailed the planning approval. "Securing planning approval for the TraffordCity Ice Arena is fantastic news for the area," he said. "This is a significant step in delivering our vision for TraffordCity as a destination that offers something for everyone. The new arena will provide world-class ice facilities and enhance our growing portfolio of sport and leisure experiences; attracting new visitors, investment and employment opportunities to the region."
Design and Future Development Ambitions
Nick Payne, Director of ICITIES, emphasised the innovative design of the venue. "This approval allows us to move forward with creating a truly unique venue," he stated. "Our design combines professional ice facilities with flexible spaces for non-ice events, ensuring the arena can serve a wide range of uses and audiences."
Peel Waters has indicated that the ice rink is not the limit of their ambitions for the site. The company is actively exploring further development opportunities, including the potential addition of hotels or additional leisure facilities to complement the new arena and the wider TraffordCity masterplan.
Economic and Community Benefits
The project has garnered strong support from local authorities for its expected economic impact. Liz Patel, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, commented: "Trafford Council is committed to the regeneration of the area and this project will bring a number of important benefits to the borough including the creation of 50 permanent jobs."
Heath Rhodes, Chief Operations Manager at Planet Ice, highlighted the strategic importance of the location. "As Planet Ice enters its 30th year, we're delighted to see planning permission granted for this landmark project," he said. "Demand for ice facilities in the North West continues to grow, and this arena will help meet that need while delivering first class amenities for visitors. TraffordCity is the perfect location, with excellent transport links and complementary leisure attractions."
Construction on the TraffordCity Arena is scheduled to commence in the spring, with an estimated build time of up to fifteen months. Once complete, the venue will significantly bolster Trafford's reputation as a leading centre for sport, leisure, and cultural events in the North West.
