Alexandra's ice sports complex is heading east - east of the town's pool complex, that is.
Concept plans for a new covered rink on the east side of the Molyneux Aquatic Centre to cater for figure skaters, ice hockey players and curlers were approved by the Vincent Community Board yesterday.
The aim is for the facilities to be beside each other, so waste heat from producing ice at the rink can be used to heat the pool.
The redevelopment is estimated to cost about $3 million and the board has already agreed to provide a loan of up to $1.5 million for the project.
There will be no ratepayer funding, as loan repayments will be funded through electricity cost savings from the joint plant.
Ice Inline is the umbrella group for the users of the existing ice rink and, after yesterday's meeting, Ice Inline committee member Murray Miller confirmed the organisation would like to start construction work on the project next year.
''We're expecting to have one more season at the old rink,'' he said.
Tenders for the project close at the end of this month. The group has yet to determine the level of funding it will receive through grants.
As part of the deal, the existing outdoor ice rink and building will be taken over by the Central Otago District Council.
The Vincent board recently asked for feedback on alternative future uses for the site and received one response, from the Molyneux Turf Committee, which wanted the site as a new venue for hockey.
''I'd like to congratulate Ice Inline for their hard and diligent work on this project'', Vincent chairwoman Clair Higginson said yesterday.
The future plans for the redeveloped ice complex include an indoor curling rink and an outdoor skating rink as well as the covered facility.
