Ice Sports Facility Progresses Amid Challenges
The long-awaited twin-sheet ice sports facility for Tuggeranong is moving forward despite significant hurdles, with developers confirming the project will proceed at the originally proposed Greenway site. While the location has been locked in by the ACT government, the development team has admitted they seriously considered abandoning the government-backed project entirely due to concerns about long-term sustainability.
Financial and Location Concerns
Cruachan Investments and Pelligra Holdings, the developers awarded the contract to own, operate and maintain the facility, had raised serious questions about building in Tuggeranong rather than more central locations like Majura Park or Commonwealth Park. Stephen Campbell, managing director of Cruachan Investments and owner of the Canberra Brave ice hockey team, has accepted the Tuggeranong decision but revealed the difficult position developers face.
"We are moving in the right direction," Campbell stated, while acknowledging that walking away from the government proposal remained a consideration. "It might be better for us to walk away from the government proposal, buy an alternate site and put up a facility that might not have the same level of amenity that was initially envisioned, but that would be a bad outcome for ice sports."
The developers have expressed concerns that the $16.2 million of ACT government funding allocated in 2023 won't be sufficient given the extensive earthworks required on the sloped Greenway site. Campbell had previously estimated the total project cost would be "considerably more" than $50 million.
Proposed Changes and Next Steps
To manage costs while remaining in Tuggeranong, developers have proposed reducing the seating capacity from the initially planned 3,600 spectators. This suggestion was formally submitted to the government earlier this week, with developers now facing a mid-January deadline to provide more detailed plans.
"They have requested a more detailed proposal, and that's a lot of work involved - another 70-page document," Campbell told The Canberra Times. The updated proposal must include detailed drawings, cost estimates from quantity surveyors, and analysis of the facility's long-term viability.
Campbell emphasized that despite exploring different building options to make the Tuggeranong location work, major concerns about equitable access remain. "There is still such a long way to go. These are big projects, and when you have multiple parties involved, they take a long time."
The development team has also expressed frustration about not knowing the price of the Greenway land before finalizing the contract. A government spokesperson clarified that land valuations would only occur after a direct sale application is received and assessed.
Even under the most optimistic scenario, where scaled-back plans receive approval in January, construction timelines remain uncertain. Campbell noted that commencement and completion dates would depend on government department approval processes for planning and development.
The Canberra Brave's recent success, including winning the Minister's Award for Event Excellence after moving from Phillip Ice Rink to selling out AIS Arena games, has complicated seating requirements for the new facility. Campbell confirmed the Brave wouldn't use the Tuggeranong facility for games due to their long-term contract with the AIS and future plans to move to the new convention centre with an 8,000-seat stadium.
