Developers have announced that a planning application for an ice rink on Flood Street in Dudley town centre is imminent. The £9m scheme, proposed under the Planet Ice brand, would feature a 2,000-capacity arena aimed at attracting an ice hockey team and providing leisure skating. The project is expected to create up to 100 jobs and boost the local economy by £40m.
Community reactions divided
The proposal has drawn both praise and scepticism from local residents. Emily Deakin welcomed the plan, noting the current need to travel for ice hockey. She said: "We travel weekly from the Black Country to Coventry to watch ice hockey matches during the season! My son would love to play, too far away to commit to twice weekly training and then matches. Maybe we are a minority, but if there was a good team you'd fill 2000 seats every game and somewhere for kids and teenagers to go for an evening!"
David Taylor expressed similar enthusiasm: "We travel from Stourbridge to Manchester every weekend to watch ice hockey. Nothing compares." Steven Hunt added: "I’m going to watch the team for sure!"
Critics question necessity
However, others voiced doubts. Steven Briscow commented: "If it was such a positive thing Merry Hill have had it up and running now, we need more pressing issues in Dudley especially." Suzanne Johnson Jordan recalled past unfulfilled promises: "Heard this before at Castlegate but it never happened."
Developer's response
A Planet Ice spokesperson responded to the feedback, 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!"
