The £55m scheme included two Olympic sized ice rinks one of which could be covered to convert the space into an 11,000 capacity arena for shows and events. There would also be 64 low rise homes, 26 of which would be affordable. The scheme was expected to support 126 full-time and 225 part-time jobs and bring about £8m into the local economy [see earlier story]. However, a planning application was expected in 2006 and since then the developer – BIA International – has struggled to get the funding in place.

The final extension of many expired in May and the local authority have until July to decide if they will grant another extension but a paper going to the 12th July Policy & Resources Committee recomends rejection of revised BIA proposals and a return to the market.