Warburg Property Developments (WPD) has announced that Hertsmere Leisure is the preferred operator for the new Olympic-sized ice rink currently being developed in Southampton.

Negotiations between the two parties are at an advanced stage and the two are currently working on a bid for support funding through the Sustainable Facilities funding administered by Sport England.

WPD received the green light for its ice rink plans in July this year.

The project, which will transform two vacant sites – including the former Chantry Hall – will comprise a four-storey mixed-use development.

A dance studio, a 40-station fitness suite, a restaurant/bar and a café also form part of the scheme, which will provide the city with its first permanent ice rink for more than 20 years.