Plans have been approved for a new purpose-built ice arena and multi-use event space at TraffordCity
Trafford Council has signed off plans for a new purpose-built ice arena and multi-use event space at TraffordCity.
The 3,000-capacity venue, named ‘TraffordCity Arena’ will feature state-of-the-art ice skating and ice hockey facilities alongside a flexible event space designed for hosting a variety of entertainment and community activities. The development’s anchor tenant will be Planet Ice, making it one of the brand’s largest UK venues.
Located on the former Soccer Dome site, adjacent to The Snow Centre, Trafford Golf Centre, David Lloyd, Fives Soccer, iFLY and The Padel Club, the arena will further strengthen TraffordCity’s position as the UK’s leading leisure destination. The project is being developed by ICITIES in partnership with Peel Waters, who have cleared the site to enable future leisure developments.
The new arena will provide year-round ice activities, including both lessons and leisure sessions, alongside premium hospitality experiences with future tenants offering family dining, bars, leisure and VIP areas. Designed with versatility in mind, the venue will also host concerts, screenings and immersive experiences, creating a dynamic destination for visitors.
Further solidifying the area’s status as a leisure destination, work has now begun on the £450million Therme Manchester wellness resort - an ambitious, next‑generation health and wellbeing destination set to include extensive indoor and outdoor pools, thermal experiences, botanical gardens, water-based family attractions, fitness and wellbeing facilities, and a diverse F&B offer.
Peel Waters’ long-term vision for TraffordCity has already created 17,500 jobs, with plans to increase this to 33,000 over the next 20 years.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, said: "Securing planning approval for the TraffordCity Ice Arena is fantastic news for the area. 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."
Nick Payne, Director of ICITIES, commented: "This approval allows us to move forward with creating a truly unique venue. 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. The design includes approximately 20,000 sq. Ft of ancillary space for tenants offering complementary food, beverage and leisure facilities.”
The contractors will be announced in the new year, with construction expected to begin in spring 2026 (estimated build time is 12-15 months).
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