The much-loved community facility has been shut since mid-2022 due to structural issues.
The NSW Government has committed up to $17.7 million to refurbish and modernise the centre.
The Sydney South Planning Panel has approved the DA which includes a new roof, concrete ice floor and barrier system, new skate hire facilities, upgraded changing rooms and modernised spectator seating areas.
New artist renderings of the redeveloped centre show the facility will be able to accommodate up to 300 people at a time.
Once complete, these upgrades will bring the ageing facility, constructed more than five decades ago, up to modern competition standards and provide the next generation of Olympic hopefuls with high-class facilities to help fulfil their dreams.
The upgrades will ensure this Sydney institution is one of the best ice rinks in Australia and provide the next generation of Olympic hopefuls with the facilities to fulfil their dreams. Over 120,000 visitors per year are expected to utilise the facility.
Over 1200 skaters will use the facility each week with 1,000 students set to regularly visit the rink through the School Sport Program.
The ice rink – run by a not-for-profit cooperative board – also provides sports and services for many young people with disabilities with close to 100 skaters taking part in the “Inclusive Skating” program. These classes help all skaters with physical or intellectual challenges and impairments learn to skate in a supportive environment.
The former aircraft hangar was opened in 1971 and is one of only two remaining Olympic-sized ice rinks in Sydney.
Before its closure, Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink was home to more than 20 Olympic ice skaters including short-track Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury, Figure Skating Olympian Stephen Carr and aspiring Olympian Tricia Tong.
The project is expected to be complete in early 2026.
Further details about the project, funded out of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) program, are publicly available here.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The Minns Government is delivering transformational infrastructure right across West and south-west Sydney.
“We know how important this facility is to the community which is why we’ve invested millions to reopen its doors.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“It is exciting to hear that this fantastic facility has been given the green light so it can serve as a rink for the Canterbury community for many years to come.
“The new and improved ice rink will deliver state and national bodies in figure skating and ice hockey a fantastic facility to host events at the state, national and international level.”
Member for Canterbury MP Sophie Cotsis said:
“This is a huge milestone in the journey to get this wonderful facility up and running again.
“It is vital south-west Sydney has ice skating facilities available so that more athletes can have the opportunity to chase their Olympic dream, just like Steven Bradbury.”
Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li said:
“Canterbury Ice Rink is an important, greatly loved facility for residents in my community, including local schools, skaters and ice-hockey players, and those who just want to have fun on the ice.
“It is also a facility that has given those who experience mental or physical challenges a place where they can be themselves. We are delighted to be able to save this critical piece of sport and community infrastructure.”
Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:
“I’m delighted to see progress being made towards the reopening of the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.
“I grew up learning to skate at this rink, so it’s wonderful to see the NSW Government investing in much-needed upgrades.
“Now, my grandchildren will get to enjoy the same hours of fun on the ice that I did as a child, and it’s great to know the rink will continue to nurture Australian talent for generations to come.”
