The NSW Government have announced a huge $17.7 million grant for the restoration and upgrade of Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, with the aim of ensuring the premises remain a trusted training ground for many Australian Winter Olympians.
The iconic site in Sydney’s inner west is set to commence its major renovation in late-2024 with an expected completion of mid-2026.
As part of the deal, funded through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, the project will deliver: a new roof structure, new change rooms, a concrete new modern ice floor and barrier system, new skate hire facilities, upgraded spectator seating areas.
Sophie Cotsis, Member for Canterbury, stated this project is a “huge win” for the community and congratulated it for this “hard-fought achievement”.
The Minister for Industrial Relations and for Work Health and Safety stressed the various benefits this project will deliver, “including local jobs, programs for local school students, as well as an inclusive skating program for skaters with intellectual and physical disabilities”.
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“Since the closure of the facility, skaters from the area have been travelling hours across Sydney, even to Canberra of a weekend, to train. Come mid-2026 this will no longer be the case, with this wonderful facility back up-and-running in our own backyard,” Ms Cotsis said in the official announcement.
has served as the home for more than 20 Olympic ice skaters, including short track Olympic gold medallist, Steven Bradbury, 2014 Ice Dance Olympians Danielle O’Brien and Greg Merriman, and Australia’s first indigenous Winter Olympics athlete, Harley Windsor.
This deal will ensure that it is one of the best ice rinks in the country, providing the next generation of aspiring Olympic athletes with the facilities to carry out their dreams, a point highlighted by Steve Kamper, who is the Minister for Sport among other portfolios.
“This funding will get thousands of athletes performing incredible feats and scoring goals, while allowing patrons young and old a fantastic opportunity to learn to skate,” Mr Kamper said in the announcement.
“This much-loved ice rink will allow The Ice-Skating Club of NSW to partner with state and national bodies in figure skating and ice hockey to host events at the state, national and international level.”
Jason Yat-Sen Li, Member for Strathfield, echoed both Ms Cotsis’ and Mr Kamper’s sentiments on the importance of this site, not only to the Canterbury community but the neighbouring suburbs like his as well.
“Canterbury Ice Rink is an important, greatly loved facility for residents in my community, including local schools, skaters and ice-hockey players, and those who just want to have fun on the ice,” Mr Yat-Sen Li said in the announcement.
“It is also a facility that has given those who experience mental or physical challenges a place where they can be themselves. We are delighted to be able to save this critical piece of sport and community infrastructure.”
The site is expected to receive over 120,000 visitors once completed, with the government now set to work with The Ice-Skating Club of NSW to deliver this upgrade by mid-2026.
The project is part of NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, which is committed to delivering transformation infrastructure across Western Sydney and south-west Sydney.
The Program is funding 191 projects with its $2 billion pool as it aims to secure the best quality of life for families and communities across Western Sydney.
