A proposal to build 25 new car parking spaces outside Oxford ice rink has been given the go-ahead by the council.

Oxford City Council yesterday (June 14) confirmed it has allocated a budget of £580,000 for the project.

The proposal to build new car parking spaces at the ice rink comes following confirmation that Oxpens Car Park will close.

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Many ice rink users currently use this car park which is located adjacent to the site.

Oxpens Car Park is part of the new OxWED development, which will see new residential and business buildings constructed on the site.

A closure date for Oxpens Car Park is yet to be confirmed but it is expected to shut as early as April 2025.

Councillor Chewe Munkonge, cabinet member for leisure and parks, said: “Oxford Ice Rink is an important part of our leisure centre provision, we’re proud to offer a regionally important facility for leisure and elite sports.

Oxford Mail:

“We’re investing to make sure we’re ready for the changes that will come as the OxWED development takes shape, so that all users are still able to skate, train and compete at Oxford Ice Rink.”

The city council explained that the 25 spaces were for those who cannot take public transport or use public parking nearby.

They added that construction costs have been rising rapidly since the pandemic and that the budget for this project is based on current estimates.

It also includes a significant contingency to cover expected price rises over the course of the project.

A city council spokesperson said: “Most ice rink users are local to Oxford and do not need on-site parking as they are able to use public transport and nearby public car parks.

“The ice rink also serves a small number of elite athletes and sports clubs from beyond Oxfordshire.

“The council discussed the issue with the ice rink user group to understand their perspective and to set the baseline for what would be needed when the Oxpens car park closes.

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“This highlighted that although most users could switch to other nearby parking or use public transport, there is a need for limited on-site parking for people who train very early or late, for ice hockey players with bulky equipment and for people with disabilities.”

With the council approval of the proposed design and budget, the next step in the plan will be to apply for planning permission.

If approved, construction is expected to begin in mid-2024 with the new parking available by around March 2025.

This will be before the closure of the Oxpens Car Park.