Indoor snow ski slope plans move forward

Jan 30 2010 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

PLANS to build the region’s first indoor real snow ski slope are taking shape.

The slope would be part of a new multi-million pound snow and ice centre, at Sunderland.

The development could also house an ice rink plus other leisure facilities, specialist sports shops, bars and restaurants.

It would be the only facility of its kind between Leeds and Glasgow.

A site at Stadium Village in the city has already been earmarked for the project and more than 80% of the land needed has been acquired.

Now, a developer is being sought for the project. A notice asking for expressions of interest has this week been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The project is the next phase in an ambitious plan by regeneration company Sunderland Arc, working with One North East, Sunderland City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, to create a thriving sports village in the city.

Stadium Village is already home to Sunderland Football Club’s Stadium of Light and the £20m Sunderland Aquatic Centre.

Chairman of Sunderland arc, John Anderson, believes the scheme will help to establish the city as a regional hub for sports and leisure.

He said: “Stadium Village already boasts world-class sports and leisure facilities and further exciting developments such as the proposed indoor ski slope will cement Sunderland as a regional sporting destination.”