With a critical deadline fast approaching, the developers behind Canberra's long-awaited Tuggeranong ice sports facility have reaffirmed their commitment to the project, albeit with a significant reduction in its planned scale. The move comes amid community frustration over persistent delays and a pivotal upcoming decision from the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) that could reshape the region's ice sports landscape.
Deadline Extension Sought Amidst Ongoing Negotiations
The ACT government had requested further details from the development consortium, Pelligra Group and Cruachan Investments, before Christmas. However, the developers requested an extension until January 13 to complete this additional work on the multimillion-dollar project. Stephen Campbell from Cruachan Investments, who also owns the Canberra Brave ice hockey team, has moved to reassure the ice sports community that progress is being made, despite the hurdles.
"We are committed to building a facility," Campbell told The Canberra Times, referencing the government's target completion date of 2027. He cited the need for new estimations and revised drawings as tasks requiring several weeks. The project, first locked in back in 2022, has been mired in what Campbell describes as an "ugly back-and-forth blame game" between developers, the government, and parts of the ice sports community.
Seating Capacity at the Heart of the Debate
A major point of contention remains the facility's seating capacity. The original vision accommodated 3600 spectators, but developers are now pushing for a scaled-back version. They point to significant construction challenges with the Tuggeranong site, including its slope, which drives up costs. As the entity that will own, operate, and maintain the venue, the consortium is keen to control the budget, estimated to exceed $50 million against a government contribution of $16.265 million.
Campbell argues that a large-capacity venue in Tuggeranong is less critical because the Canberra Brave, the main professional team requiring big crowds, is committed to playing at the AIS Arena for the foreseeable future. This position may soon be bolstered by an AIHL announcement expected on January 12. The league is deciding on a host for its finals series, and if the AIS Arena wins the contract, it would cement the Bruce precinct as Canberra's premier elite ice hockey venue.
Two Facilities, One Ice Sports Ecosystem
Campbell emphasised that securing AIHL finals for the AIS Arena wouldn't diminish Tuggeranong's value. Instead, he envisions the two facilities complementing each other. "For Tuggeranong, there's no value building a 3500-seat stadium, if the Canberra Brave aren't going to play in it," he stated. The Brave would use the Tuggeranong facility primarily for training, helping to develop the next generation of players.
"What needs to be understood is the success of Canberra Brave is also reliant on a continuing generation of young players being upskilled," Campbell said. "So having good quality venues like Tuggeranong supporting the training of athletes is paramount to our success too."
A Path Forward After a Rocky Start
The developers have faced significant criticism, which Campbell labels "nonsensical." He revealed that a formal project agreement from the government wasn't received until July 18 last year, after which negotiations over the site and land sale issues caused further delays. The Tuggeranong location is now confirmed.
Despite the friction, Campbell insists his group has a constructive relationship with the government and remains focused on delivering a facility that will grow ice sports participation. "I've had numerous discussions with parents who have told me that the sole reason their child got into ice hockey has been because of the Brave games at the AIS Arena," he said, highlighting the existing momentum he aims to build upon.
All eyes are now on the January 13 deadline for the developers' submission and the AIHL's January 12 announcement, with both outcomes set to significantly influence the final shape of ice sports infrastructure in the ACT.
