Pair get their skates on with ice arena investment

A £1m seafront ice arena has been opened in the Fylde town of Cleveleys, creating jobs and boosting tourism.

Sub Zero Leisure, a venture set up by businessman Greig Appleby and former ice hockey player and professional skater Kenny Hansom, has built and is operating the 8,500 sq ft attraction on the town’s People’s Promenade.

The ice rink measures 36m x 22m and can accommodate up to 300 skaters every two hours.  Its dimensions meet ice hockey league requirements and Sub Zero plans to establish junior and senior skating and ice hockey teams.  Five new jobs have been created by the arena’s opening.   

The arena is the latest attraction to open on Cleveleys’ award winning People’s Promenade. 

More than £20m has been invested in the Promenade during the last five years and the finished project has won a host of awards, including the North West Tourism Award for Best Public Space in the region.   

Greig Appleby, who also runs a IT business in Lancashire, said “The Sub Zero Ice Arena is the result of several years of planning and we are delighted to finally welcome our first skaters. 

“Ice skating is a fantastic family activity and we are confident that the rink will become a firm favourite with local people whilst helping to attract more visitors to Cleveleys.”  

NatWest Business and Commercial Banking in Blackpool provided a £100,000 funding package towards the build costs of the project. Relationship manager Dale Lawrenson, said: “Greig and Kenny have worked incredibly hard to make this project a reality. 

“We are more than happy to support this new business and look forward to watching Sub Zero become a popular addition Cleveleys’ list of visitor attractions.”