AMP Capital has vowed to include an Olympic-sized rink as part of its redevelopment of Macquarie Centre in Sydney's north-west, responding to a petition of 50,000 signatures calling to save the much loved sports venue.
The 39-year-old ice rink has been the subject of a community campaign after plans were revealed to demolish it during the first stage of a partial re-development.
The inclusion of the rink follows AMP's decision to pause the proposed development application to allow time to undertake a consultation process with the local community and stakeholders.
Skaters including Olympic medallist Steven Bradbury spoke out, along with local MP and NSW finance minister Victor Dominello who made representations on behalf of the community.
“We have listened to community feedback,” AMP Capital shopping centres managing director Mark Kirkland said.
“Their outpouring of support shows us they are passionate about retaining an Olympic-sized facility.”
The $195 million redevelopment, designed by architectural firm Allen Jack+Cottier, is set to transform the suburban shopping mall and create high-density living.
As part of the development application the local sports centre would make way for four 27-storey towers.
Those plans also included provisions for 21,000sq m of additional gross floor area, 481 additional car parks and landscaping and public domain improvements.
Last week, NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton granted an interim heritage order to help assure the future of the ice rink.
The order recognised that heritage included "the emotional attachment the community has to certain structures" as well as just buildings.
While further developments remain subject to planning and investor approvals, the inclusion of rink as part of AMP's stage two redevelopment
“We know that any redevelopment also needs to continue to evolve Macquarie Centre’s unique entertainment and leisure facilities, provide additional civic space, expand night life activities and improve connections to public transport,” AMP's Mark Kirkland said.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to find the best outcome for all stakeholders including Macquarie Centre’s investors.”
