A much-loved but ageing ice centre is set to be replaced by a new skating destination double its size.

Lee Valley Ice Centre has 279,000 visits a year but is at risk of closure due to recent operational problems, and struggles to meet increasing demand.

To solve these problems, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) has unveiled plans to develop the Lee Valley Ice Centre into a twin rink venue which is hoped to double the amounts of visits to 557,000 per year.

The new Ice Centre, costing around £30 million, would double the amount of ice and also expand to offer a gym and dance studio. It will also provide a setting off point for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Lee Valley Regional Park chief executive Shaun Dawson said: “We’re proposing a fantastic new ice centre which would also act as a gateway to the surrounding open space. It would be the only twin Olympic-sized venue in south east England and would enable many more people to get active on the ice, as well as use the gym, dance studios, café and community spaces. We believe these opportunities would benefit people from the local community, across the capital and from the wider region.”

Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on the new development.

Anyone who wants to have their say can visit: www.icecentreredevelopment.com

There will also be a number of drop-in events where people can give thier views. To find out more about these, you can get in touch via : LVIC@communitycomms.co.uk or 0800 093 1716.

The consultation period will run until Sunday 1st September.