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Otium Planning Group, commissioned by the Tasmanian Government, has released the ‘Tasmania Ice Rink Feasibility Study’ prepared with expertise and input provided by Events Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government, Local Government Authorities within the Greater Hobart region, Ice Sports Tasmania, and Australian Ice Rink Operators.

The Tasmanian Ice Rink Feasibility Study has outlined concept plan designs, the capital cost plan for a new facility and details including the visitation levels required to achieve a sustainable business model.

The report notes “Tasmania does not currently have an active ice sports facility, following the closure of the Glenorchy Ice Skating Rink in 2022. In late 2022, the Tasmanian Government committed to funding a demand analysis study for an ice sports facility in Tasmania. The demand analysis included market testing of 1000 Tasmanians and found an ice sports facility in Tasmania could provide for of up to 125,000 annual visits.”

The benchmarking analysis and interviews with current operators of single ice-skating rinks in Australia with a population similar to Greater Hobart suggest a visitation of 50,000 to 100,000 is possible if well-operated and marketed, fully programmed with growing ice sports clubs/ leagues. The operators said they would need to work hard to achieve 100,000 visits. Also, using the participation rates provided by Ausplay Participation Survey 2021, the projected ice sports participation will grow from an estimated 1,023 participants in 2021-22 (if the facility was operational) to 1,232 participants in 2032-33.

Tasmanian Acting Minister for Sport and Events, Nick Duigan said the study confirmed there are options available to provide a home for ice sports and a recreational skating facility in the State.

Minister Duigan advised "as we have always said, this development will require the private sector to step in and be confident that the build and ongoing operation is viable and I'm pleased that we've been able to provide a blueprint for that.

"The Department of State Growth will now continue its work to develop an Expression of Interest package for potential private investors.

"We appreciate the patience of the Tasmanian ice sports community as we've worked constructively and positively with them to get to this pivotal point.

"We will continue to engage with all stakeholders as we work towards a new ice sports facility in this State.”

The full report can be viewed here 

For more information click here to view Otium Planning's contact details in their listing in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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