Ice hockey stadium set for Greenway
The ACT government will contribute $16 million to construct a 3600 seat stadium (artist’s impression, top) set to house the city’s ice hockey team, CBR Brave.
The commitment, the biggest by any federal or state government for an asset of this type, comes two months since the tender was awarded to Pelligra Group and Cruachan Investments, which will design, operate and own the facility, to be known as Canberra Arena.
With two Olympic size ice sheets and a rock climbing centre, the asset is earmarked for Rowland Rees Crescent, Greenway, in the Tuggeranong precinct, 16 kilometres south of Capital Hill.
The end value is speculated will circle $45-$50m.
Completion is scheduled in 2025.
The deal comes nearly a year since the development consortium unveiled plans for a similar asset, also with a rock climbing centre, but with a $20m end price, in Adelaide’s south west Marion.
In that city, Pelligra also owns the Adelaide Arena, formerly known as Titanium Security Stadium and before that, the Powerhouse, at Beverley, north west of the CBD, after paying a speculated $4m in early 2021.
Also two years ago the developer and investor, established in 1960 by Ross Pelligra and now led by his grandson, another Ross, acquired the licence for the Adelaide Giants basketball team.
Canberra Arena
Canberra Arena will accommodate functions presently undertaken at the 42 year old Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre, the leasehold which recently sold to developer Geocon (story continues below).
While that asset includes a single ice sheet – which at 55×25 metres, is about 80 per cent the size of an Olympic standard rink – the Greenway property will have two, both spreading 60x30m.
Broomball, figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating and curling could be undertaken there.
The property will also be utilised by school groups.
The design will cater for disabled ice sports disciplines too.
“A range of amenities will be provided for players and officials, including change rooms, player benches, penalty boxes and judging platforms, sports minister, Yvette Berry, said.
“Associated amenities to support the operation of the facility will include a retail/pro shop, skate rental facilities, café/kiosk and restaurant, office and administration space and concession areas in the main rink,” she added.
The ACT Ice Sports Federation will also involve itself in the project, expected to host national and international events including world championships.
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