I know what it’s like being a hockey fan in Australia, aging facilities not up to scratch for growing the sport we love and endless pie in the sky talk of new rinks and Australian ice sports infrastructure coming soon to a town near you. It’s easy to become cynical and dismissive of any talk whatsoever of new facilities.

So, when three concurrent projects are progressing in two Australian capital cities with long histories, I can understand why some of you will be saying “I’ll believe it when I see it”.

However, I feel justified in my excitement and confidence in the Canberra, Marion and Elizabeth projects by Cruachan Investments. Each project has made significant progress through design, planning, approvals and development phases. The finish line to construction readiness is within sight. Better go buy your hard hat and steel capped boots now.

Understanding project timeframes

I have noticed a genuine lack of community understanding for project timeframes. The time it takes for a development to go from idea to completion.

I have a background in transport infrastructure that gives me some insights into this process. While a major project can take 2 to 4 years to construct, it is easy to see that progress. There is often equal, if not longer, time spent behind the scenes in planning and development work. Before a pollie or CEO, brandishing a shovel, turns a sod in front of the cameras.

Investigations, assessments, reporting, planning, designing, funding, approvals, procurement, legals, the list goes on. It’s a lot of work that most people don’t easily see. Three parameters affect the time needed to complete this unseen work. The size and complexity of the project, the location of the project and the number of partners and stakeholders involved. In addition to the three parameters, government funding and/or approvals will often exacerbate the time needed to complete a project, given government’s probity and governance requirements. It’s not sexy but no less important.

With that in mind, let me ask, what’s currently happening with the Canberra, Marion and Elizabeth projects? To help answer this question, I recently sat down for a phone call with Cruachan Investments Director, Mr Stephen Campbell. We discussed the latest updates on all three of these projects and what is happening with Australian ice sports infrastructure going forward.

Elizabeth Arena (Adelaide north)

The original project was on course to commence construction years ago. Complications outside the control of the developer ensued. The original project would no longer deliver what Council wanted for the local community so returned to the starting line. The delay however has not been in vain. Yes, we will not see the original planned premier twin-sheet arena with a side of rock-climbing. Instead, Playford Council wanted a wider mix of activities supported. The development team has responded with a re-imagining and redesign of the project.

Now, the new venue will deliver a single sheet ice sports arena with rock-climbing facilities, two sports courts and a gymnasium in addition to multiple hospitality spaces and a restaurant. The new scope reads more like a traditional UK-style leisure centre that caters for all kinds of activities. The mix of arena facilities is not final and subject to further discussions and possible change, meaning curling is still on the cards. The development team will just have to convince the community and Council to further promote ice sports.

It’s going to be interesting to see if this ‘leisure centre’ model proves successful. It could be an avenue to get more ice sports facilities into more communities around the country. While a Council or State Government might not want to invest in a stand-alone ice sports arena, it might be happy for them be a part of the mix in a multi-activity venue that will cater for broader interests.

Playford Council’s independent assessment panel is presently reviewing the planning application for the proposed Elizabeth Arena. This follows a month’s long public notification period that ended a few weeks ago on 29 January 2024. The development team is hopeful that construction of the new arena can commence later this year, pending timely success with approvals.

Marion Arena (Adelaide south)

Marion Arena, the smallest of the three projects, is advancing its development into its final stages.

The project has survived a coordinated push-back campaign early on in its development. It has completed two extensive community consultation processes and obtained planning approval. In October 2023, the development team lodged the project’s development application (DA). Marion Council is currently considering the DA, with a decision expected in the first half of this year.

If approved, project construction can commence. The developer is yet to determine the construction time table schedule, but it anticipates it could commence later this year.

Canberra Arena (Tuggeranong, Canberra south)

It’s been a while since the new Canberra ice rink made news headlines in the capital. A year to be exact. At the beginning of 2023, we learnt the new rink would be called Canberra Arena and the ACT Government would be investing $16.2 million into the project. A big win for the project and for Cruachan Investments vision for Australian ice sports future.

Since then, the Cruachan Investments has been working hard alongside the ACT Government in completing planning and approval activities as part of the project’s development stage.

Currently, the development stage is ongoing, and once finalised, it will shift the project into construction readiness. The Canberra and hockey community can expect to hear and see more about the project later this year. A community consultation process is anticipated to commence in mid-2024. You can have you say on the project and help shape the future of hockey and other ice sports in Canberra for years to come.

Being the most ambitious project, Canberra Arena looks set to be Cruchan Investments flagship ice sports venue. Stephen Campbell and Cruachan Investments have dedicated a lot of time to learn from overseas and Australian venues. What works, what doesn’t and what can be improved. The site of Canberra Arena for example is very technically challenging and requires innovative solutions. Mr Campbell confirmed they are taking a patron focused approach to the venue design. This will maximise everyone’s experience with the venue the moment you enter.

The future for Australian ice sports infrastructure and Canterbury update

So don’t let the lack of shovels in ground get you down. Lots of work is happening behind the scenes in moving these projects forward. Ice rinks are not the easiest developments to design and construct. I am confident we are approaching the fun times. When these projects leave the backroom and hit the front and centre. The stage when we can see the progress on the ground. It’s nothing but exciting times ahead for Australian ice sports infrastructure.

Cruachan Investments are hopeful that the three different size projects, once complete, will prove their arena model successful and scalable. This should open up the opportunity for more Australian ice sports infrastructure projects in the future. Governments of different persuasions will be more willing to co-invest in a proven model with reduced risk.

On top of the new infrastructure projects, there has recently been an update regarding the upgrade project in Western Sydney. The NSW Government has signed and approved the funding deed for Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink. The full release of the $17.7 million grant will allow the project to progress towards construction. Major works will include building a new roof and modern concrete ice floor and barrier system. Other works will include new skate hire facilities, new change rooms and upgrades to spectator seating.

It’s almost too much excitement to handle. All this ongoing work to deliver a better future for ice sports like ice hockey in this country. The positive impacts it will have on the AIHL, AWIHL, AJIHL, Women’s Tier 2 Showcase Series and grassroots hockey is just the tip of the iceberg. However, I’m sure a healthy dose of Australian hockey cynicism is not far away to bring things back into equilibrium.