The arena, which was opened in April 1991 by Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill, holds 3,200 people and has an ice pad of 60 by 30 metres (197 by 98 ft).

[1][2] The arena was built to coincide with Manchester’s 1996 Summer Olympic bid, with the possibility of boxing contests being held there.

The arena was originally owned by Blackburn Council before being sold to the Peel Group.

[4] An independent junior development scheme for ice hockey is based at the arena, with teams for under 10s, under 12s, under 14s, under 16s and under 18s.

The arena is open seven days a week for public ice skating sessions, and includes a café and hockey shop.