The operators of a major London ice rink have been working as advisers on plans to create Ireland’s biggest indoor ice center at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre in Dublin.
Vibrant Partnerships, which manages Lee Valley Ice Centre in East London, is working with property developer Hines on plans to build a world-class arena complete with an international competition-size ice rink with seating capacity of 2,500 that would meet the high standards required to host major tournaments – from figure skating events to ice hockey matches, as well as serving as a major leisure destination for the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.
Vibrant Partnerships has gained experience and expertise from working with national and international sports governing bodies to host regional, national and international competitions, including the Irish Figure Skating Championships.
The organization has been providing consultancy services to Hines on the design specifications and business plan for the proposed ice center in Dublin, as well as developing an activity program.
The team from Vibrant Partnerships that is supporting the Liffey Valley project includes general manager Alan Seabrook. Seabrook has experience of running leisure venues and has previously served as manager of Lee Valley Ice Centre, president of the National Ice Skating Association in the UK, and chairman of the 2012 European Figure Skating Championships. Seabrook is currently director of development and performance for the Ice Skating Association of Ireland. He has also advised on the development of new ice centers and refurbishments across the UK and Europe including Bournemouth, Swindon, Nottingham and Iceland.
“It’s a terrific opportunity to play a part in this ambitious project,” Seabrook says. “We have applied our extensive, all-round expertise and experience in designing venues that can host any event, from international competitions to community performances, as well as providing users, from skaters to ice hockey teams, what they want through developing and implementing busy activity programs that cater for everyone, from absolute beginners to international competition level athletes.”
The plans for the ice arena in Dublin are part of a proposal by Hines to expand the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. The proposal includes a considerable increase in retail and car parking spaces and the creation of a new plaza. An application for planning permission is currently being considered by the planning authority.
