A HISTORY group wants to get Oxford Ice Rink listed as a building of architectural and historical value.

Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society said the rink, in Oxpens Road, was one of the city’s landmark buildings and had an innovative and high-tech design.

It has asked heritage body Historic England to consider listing it so it will gain extra protection under planning laws.

A listed building is not automatically protected from demolition, but a council must consider its architectural and historic interests before any changes are made.

As previously reported in the Oxford Mail, the architectural and historical society first revealed its ambition to list the building in 2007.

But David Clark, chairman of the society’s listed building sub-committee, said the group had waited for the rink – built in 1984 – to become more than 30 years old, a generally-accepted condition for listed buildings.

He said: “It is a rare example in Oxfordshire of the type of building called ‘high-tech’, which was becoming popular in the 1980s.

“It was also one of the first major commissions Sir Nicholas Grimshaw received after starting his own architectural firm.”

Sir Nicholas, a partner of international firm Grimshaw Architects, went on to design both London’s Waterloo International railway station and the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Mr Clark added: “The ice rink was also built at a time when skating in Britain had gained great interest because we had a number of successful skaters on the world stage.

“It is really quite an impressive and remarkable structure that is semi-industrial, but looks like a ship sailing along the Thames.

“All that comes together and makes it one of Oxford’s landmark buildings. It is worth a listing.”

Historic England, the Government-funded heritage body, confirmed a nomination for the listing had been made. Experts are now set to assess whether to approve the bid, which could give the building extra safeguards.

Mr Clark said there were still concerns that the rink was under threat of demolition, because of plans to redevelop Oxpens.

Oxford City Council had previously considered demolishing the rink and replacing it with one outside the city centre, but recently confirmed it would be part of plans for the redevelopment.

City council leader Bob Price said that – as a protection measure – the bid was unnecessary.

He added: “The city council has been very clear that the ice rink is a popular and profitable facility, particularly for young people, and will remain in its current location.

“If the application for listing is motivated by a wish to ensure that it is maintained, it is entirely unnecessary.”