Three developers have been shortlisted by Bournemouth Borough Council (BBC) to lead the construction of a new multi-million pound Ice Stadium at the town's King's Park.

A number of leisure and sports facilities are already on offer at the site, including football and cricket pitches; an athletics stadium; and the home ground of AFC Bournemouth.

Outline planning permission is now in place for a sports and leisure complex to comprise an ice stadium; indoor leisure facilities; and a floodlit multi-use games area.

BBC deputy leader John Beesley said: "We know that the King's Park Ice Stadium proposal has received strong public support and we have led from the start to bring this development forward."

Tenders are due back from the firms on 14 March. Meanwhile, a new training facility is to be developed by AFC Bournemouth at King's Park under recently-approved plans.