A proposal to permit an ice rink to remain open in the centre of a coastal town has received approval.
Worthing Ice Rink will be permitted to operate for a maximum of 110 days annually during the winter months in Steyne Gardens through until 2033.
According to the document, the facility contributes to the vibrancy of the town over the Christmas period and fits with the strategy to revitalise the town centre.
Richard Bradley, managing director of Town Centre Ice Rinks Ltd, addressed the planning committee on Wednesday, August 12 in support of the bid.
He stated that the continued operation of a seasonal ice rink in the central Worthing position represents a strong investment in the local community, delivering measurable benefits across sport, education, well being, and the local economy.
Mr Bradley also highlighted the attraction’s achievements in previous seasons, noting that it enabled over 1,000 children to experience skating who may not otherwise have the opportunity and welcomed more than 450 students for school trips and leisure activities.
He said community engagement remains the heart of their business.
The Worthing Society together with several local inhabitants flagged issues regarding the deterioration of the turf following the dismantling of the rink each season. Mr Bradley suggested that the harm to the grass could also result from other temporary installations using the area and equipment used for maintenance purposes.
The report indicates that lawn upkeep was not carried out this year because of construction activity for the subsequent phase of Worthing’s Heat Network project occurring within Steyne Gardens.
The planning document notes that a requirement for the site to be reinstated once the rink is taken down would be reapplied, with completion required by March 15 annually.
Councillor Richard Nowak affirmed that maintaining the grass should take precedence moving forward and proposed that rainwater runoff from the ice rink’s roof be captured and employed for grass restoration purposes.
The planning officer advised backing the proposal and elected members voted unanimously to approve it.