Could new £40m impact study pave the way for pro hockey in Dudley?

A proposed 2,000-seat ice arena in Dudley has received significant backing after an economic impact assessment revealed the facility could generate £40 million for the local economy over its first decade.

The viability study, conducted by West Midlands Growth Company, concluded the proposed £9 million development on Flood Street would attract nearly 250,000 visitors annually once established and create more than 100 jobs.

The facility will accommodate a professional ice hockey team alongside hosting public skating sessions, lessons, and major events such as boxing and concerts, marking a significant development for Britain’s second-largest urban area.

While it remains unclear what division any team might compete in, a 2,000-capacity rink would place Dudley among the mid-tier venues in British ice hockey, larger than successful National Ice Hockey League teams like Leeds Knights, Milton Keynes Lightning, and Swindon Wildcats, which typically play in venues of 1,000-1,800 capacity.

Council leader Patrick Harley described the project as a “game-changer” for the town, adding: “The icing on the cake would be the creation of a professional ice hockey team based in Dudley for fans to cheer on.”

The new rink could also significantly boost the sport’s development across the region, potentially creating a pipeline of local talent for any future professional team.

Junior and grassroots hockey programmes currently require players to travel to Coventry or Solihull for regular ice time since Birmingham’s main rink closed in 2003.

The Dudley proposal reflects growing demand for ice facilities across the UK and Ireland.

Plans have already been unveiled for Ireland’s first dedicated winter sports arena. It will include two full-sized Olympic ice rinks, a 5,000-seat or 8,000 standing indoor arena and a high-performance training centre for elite athletes.

Trafford Council is currently reviewing plans for a 3,000-seat arena in Manchester that could open by 2026 or early 2027.

Meanwhile, campaigners in Plymouth have also gathered over 1,400 signatures calling for a new ice rink following the closure of Plymouth Pavilions in January 2023.

Planet Ice, which operates 14 venues across the UK, has expressed interest in developing the Dudley project opposite Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre.

If approved, construction could be completed within 40 weeks of breaking ground, potentially seeing the facility operational by late 2027.