A 2,000-seater ice rink in Dudley would provide a £40 million boost to the town’s economy in its first decade and create more than 100 jobs, a report has revealed.

The economic impact assessment concludes that the £9 million development, planned for Flood Street, is viable and could attract nearly 250,000 visitors a year once established.

The report adds the rink could be the first phase of a wider town centre development to include new shops, drive thru eateries and coffee shops.

It also reveals an aspiration for it to be home to a new professional ice hockey team as well as hosting other large events such as boxing shows or concerts.

The rink will be open for public skating sessions as well as for lessons.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

“I am delighted that the results of the economic impact assessment confirm that an ice rink would be viable in Dudley.

“It would be a fantastic asset for the town and with a Metro stop right outside, it will bring hundreds of thousands of people in every year to our borough.

“It will also create jobs for our residents, as well as giving us a state-of-the-art arena to host other events like boxing matches or concerts. The icing on the cake would be the creation of a professional ice hockey team based in Dudley for fans to cheer on.

“It is a no-brainer for me and a project I have been driving for several years, so I am delighted to see it is coming closer to fruition.”

IPW… were commissioned by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), developers ICITIES, operators Planet Ice and Dudley Council to undertake an assessment to determine if a new ice rink development would be viable in Dudley town centre.