News

Phoenix move forward with new Ice Arena

Thursday, 4th February 2016

The Manchester Phoenix is pleased to announce that negotiations over the location of its planned ice arena in Manchester are progressing well, with Ice Tech UK signed up as a new commercial partner.

Whilst the exact location of the new permanent ice arena is being closely guarded, the Phoenix can reveal that the new ice concept will be around twenty minutes travel time from central Manchester and features excellent transport links.

Ice Tech UK has pioneered the design and construction of ice concepts, both permanent and temporary, across the UK and further afield. Prominent projects which Ice Tech UK has spearheaded include the Ice Sheffield development, as well as seasonal rinks at Somerset House in London which is in its eighteenth successful year now. They have even put an ice rink into Red Square in Moscow, underlining why Ice Tech UK is perfectly placed to successfully deliver Phoenix’s new ice projects.

Ice Tech is also spearheading the new temporary ice project which will be the home of the Phoenix for the next 3 years while the permanent home is brought to fruition. The location of this building also has good transport links and is within 30 minutes of the main hub at Piccadilly.

Negotiations are ongoing with partners to provide seats, changing rooms, food & beverage and corporate VIP boxes for the temporary ice arena, The building’s seating capacity will be confirmed in the coming weeks, but is thought to be around 1500 seats.

One of the senior partners at Ice Tech, Mark Nelson said, “We know we have been up against stiff competition to become the main contractor for these projects, so we are very proud to have been chosen.

“We believe that Ice Tech has just the right blend of experience to put together both the temporary facility and the permanent Ice Project here in Manchester, we have just finished the survey for what looks to be the favourite site for the temporary structure. This will allow our client to see how we perform and what we are capable of. The team and I believe these are exciting times for Manchester.”

Further information on Ice Tech UK and their services can be found at: http://www.icetechuk.com.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix can also announce that shares in the club, go on sale to commercial partners and supporters from tomorrow morning (Friday 5th February). Phoenix owner Neil Morris is preparing to sell 45% of the shares. A 10% stake will immediately be offered for sale to the Manchester Phoenix Supporters Club to promote fan involvement with the club.

Neil Morris commented: “Playing out of Deeside this season has been a challenge for the club’s fans and players alike, but we’re looking to the future, and signing up Ice Tech UK is another step in confirming Phoenix’s presence in Greater Manchester.

“The sale of shares in the club is a vital step in ensuring the Phoenix’s immediate future, and we’re hopeful of attracting commercial partners who are interested in playing a long-term role in the club’s development. This journey is long from over, but now its going to start getting exciting.”

For more information on share options visit http://phoenixsupporters.co.uk/trust/shares/