Leeds City Council (LCC) has backed proposals for a new indoor ice rink near the city's Elland Road stadium after it was approached by one of Britain's largest ice rink operators to develop the facility.

The council's executive approved plans to grant the company a six-month period of exclusivity to enable the scheme to move forward, which is also set to provide a new home for a resident ice hockey team and seating for 2,000 spectators. It is hoped that the new ice rink, which will be made available to 'pay-as-you-skate' customers, will boost Leeds' chances to being awarded host city status for the 2018 World Cup, as well as acting as a catalyst for the further regeneration of the Elland Road area.

Andrew Carter, LCC executive board member for city development, said: "Although this is only a proposal, even at this early stage the benefits that such a development will bring to south Leeds and the wider city are clear. "It will kick-start our plans to regenerate the Elland Road site, bring jobs to the area and a permanent city ice rink will fill one of the few remaining gaps in the city's sporting infrastructure at no cost to the council."

The company, which has not been named by the council, currently operates eight such facilities across Britain and provides free educational sessions for schools.