The owner of Altrincham Ice Rink has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the town following the publication of new redevelopment proposals for the neighbouring former Altair site.
Nice Leisure says it has invested a seven-figure sum in the ice rink, including major upgrades to its refrigeration and dehumidification systems, and is currently carrying out further refurbishment work.
The statement follows reports about the potential future of the rink as Trafford Council considers plans for a major residential development on the 4.5-acre site between Oakfield Road and Moss Lane.
As Altrincham Today reported, the council regained control of the long-stalled Altair site and commissioned a fresh masterplan to explore its redevelopment.
A report going before the council's Executive on Monday recommends a residential-led scheme, potentially incorporating new apartment buildings, commercial space and a multi-storey parking hub.
Crucially, the report also raises the possibility that the existing ice rink site could form part of a future residential phase, while giving operator Planet Ice time to consider its long-term plans and willingness to invest in Altrincham.
But Nice Leisure, which owns the rink, has now moved to underline its commitment to the facility.
Rebecca Llewellyn, spokesperson for Nice Leisure, said: "Our recent seven-figure investment in Altrincham Ice Rink clearly demonstrates our long-term commitment to the site and the local community. We were therefore surprised not to have been consulted before these comments were published."
Nice Leisure confirmed that it has held discussions with Trafford Council in the past, but said there had been no conversations about its recent refurbishment programme or the future of the ice rink.
The investment programme has included the installation of a state-of-the-art refrigeration plant, an advanced dehumidification system and a new ice resurfacer.
A full refurbishment of the venue's toilet and changing facilities is also currently underway.
The reassurances come less than six months after Manchester Storm announced they were leaving Altrincham Ice Rink after 11 years to return to Manchester's AO Arena for the 2026/27 season.
As Altrincham Today reported in April, the announcement followed a breakdown in communication between the club and Planet Ice, which had confirmed it would not renew Storm's licence to use the venue.
However, Planet Ice has since announced a multi-year partnership with Manchester Storm Women and plans to introduce a new senior National Ice Hockey League team to Altrincham for the 2027/28 season, underlining its intention to maintain competitive ice hockey at the rink.
Rebecca added: "Altrincham has enjoyed a long and valued relationship with its local ice rink, and we recognise how important the facility is to residents, clubs, schools and visitors.
"Our continued investment reflects our commitment to ensuring the rink remains a key part of the community for many years to come."
The council's proposals remain at an early stage, with councillors being asked to approve the principle of residential-led development rather than any specific scheme.
The report says the residential approach would allow development to take place in phases alongside existing uses, including the ice rink.
Further site investigations, design work and consultation would be required before any development could proceed, with no final scheme or construction timetable yet agreed.
