Tuggeranong Ice skating rink to be built

The ACT government has selected Cruachan Investments Pty Ltd to build two Olympic-sized ice rinks with a combined spectator capacity of 2000 at a site in Tuggeranong.

The company was found through an expression of interest process the government undertook last year to find a commercial partner.

Cruachan Investments will design, construct, own, operate and maintain a new ice sports facility in Canberra, while the government will provide some investment.

Thursday's announcement does not provide any timeline for construction, with the government due to receive a detailed proposal from Cruachan early 2021.

Before the 2016 election, the government suggested construction of a new rink would start before the 2020 election, with capital and planning assistance provided to a commercial partner.

The preferred site for the rink will be on Rowland Rees Crescent in Greenway, which the government says will ensure it is located near other sporting facilities and well connected to public transport options.

A review of the site in Greenway will also be undertaken to ensure it is suitable for the proposed development.

The government has not revealed how much funding it will provide the public-private project.

Minister for Sport Yvette Berry said direct negotiations with Cruachan would now begin.

"This is an exciting step for Canberra, particularly for the sports but also for the wider community as this will provide a new recreational facility for everyone to enjoy," she said.

ACT Ice Sports Federation president Tony Prescott welcomed the news.

"In the current circumstances, it speaks volumes that both the investors' and government's confidence in our proposal for a new twin-sheet national ice sports centre has continued to attract significant support," he said.

Cruachan Investments director Stephen Campbell said the group would work with the government and ACT Ice Sports Federation to create a world class arena that would attract national and international events.

"The future for ice sports in the ACT is exciting and we're proud to be a part of it." he said.

Ice sports in the ACT are currently using a 40-year-old facility at Phillip, which is smaller than an Olympic sized rink.

The new complex would allow Canberra to host domestic and international events.

It would also open the door for the Canberra Brave to host the Australian Ice Hockey League finals in the future.