Oxford Ice Rink is an iconic building and continues to be one of the city's popular sporting venues.

But despite two attempts by conservationists it has never been given listed building status.

Oxford Mail:

David Clark outside the ice rink

It is the home of ice hockey team Oxford City Stars and a key venue for figure skating enthusiasts.

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The attraction celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2014 and the following year a history group said it wanted to get the rink listed as a building of architectural and historical value.

Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society argued the venue was one of the city’s landmark buildings and had an innovative and high-tech design.

Oxford Mail:

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

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

Oxford Mail:

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

Oxford Mail:

“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.

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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.

Oxford Mail:

“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.”

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Oxford Mail:

Historic England, the Government-funded heritage body, confirmed the nomination for the listing had been made but to date it has not been awarded listed building status.