By BEN CAMERON
A NEW ice arena set for Pakenham will attract more people to live in Cardinia, Port Ward councillor David Young believes.
Cardinia Shire Council green-lit plans for the arena in Bald Hill Road on Monday night, which is expected to hold up to 800 people during major events.
The facility, expected to be completed by the end of next year, would be used by the Australian Ice Hockey League for games and training, and would be open to the public for ice skating and “learn to skate” programs.
Cr Young said the arena would be a major drawcard for the shire, for visitors and new residents.
“It will raise the profile of the Cardinia Shire and of Pakenham,” he said.
“It will bring more people into the community and will attract people to live here as well.”
Central Ward Cr Collin Ross said the arena would be a “wonderful addition to recreation activities in the Cardinia shire”.
Australian Ice Hockey League president and Melbourne Mustangs operations manager Andrew McDowell said the arena would introduce the sport to hundreds of local children.
“It’s a dream come true, it’s the best news ever,” he said.
“It’s great for the sport.
“This will really increase the profile of the sport.
“Ice hockey actually has a long history in Australia and has been played here for 105 years.”
He expected the facility to be home to one of two Melbourne teams in the AIHL – the Mustangs or the Melbourne Ice.
AIHL teams currently use rinks at Docklands and an ageing facility in Oakleigh, which was built in the 1970s.
The new facility, expected to take a year to build, would include an ice arena, ground and first floor spectator areas, changerooms, a training area, pro shop and a cafe.
The arena is to be built on the southern end of Bald Hill Road, west of the Pakenham Bypass, which is currently vacant.
Peak patronage is expected during major AHL events.
Attendance will be restricted to 400 people at other times.
A minimum of 167 car spaces will be provided.
