Work starts on £16m Cardiff ice rink ahead of 2015 opening
The first images of a 3,000-seat ice arena at Cardiff Bay's International Sports Village have been revealed as building work on the project begins.
The £16m centre, which will house two ice rinks, is expected to open next year and will be the new home of the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team.
The Devils have used the temporary "tent" in the Bay since the original city centre ice rink was demolished.
It closed in 2006 to make way for the St David's shopping centre development.
Jonathan Smith, development director of developer Greenbank Partnerships, said: "Ice Arena Wales will be a world-class facility capable of holding Olympic and European standard events, but which will be available to all members of the public and local schools, in addition to the extensive network of amateur and professional teams that play currently from the existing rink.
"We are working with the National Ice Skating Association to provide world-class coaching facilities that befit an arena of this quality."
Greenbank Partnerships is behind the development of the final phases of the International Sports Village and the Cardiff Pointe housing scheme in Cardiff Bay.
The sports village currently has a 50m pool, white water facility and temporary ice rink.
An indoor ski slope and shopping centre will also be built along with a 32-storey tower, luxury hotel, flats and offices.
It will also include a temporary car park and a public space.
Cardiff council leader Phil Bale, said: "I am delighted that the start of construction for this £16m flagship development will begin soon. This is the next exciting phase of the £400m investment in the International Sports Village and is excellent news for the construction, leisure and tourism industries.
"This development will bring jobs, investment and another iconic state-of-the-art facility to Cardiff, further enhancing the city as a world class sporting capital.
"When completed next summer, this arena will attract tens of thousands of visitors, as well as providing additional facilities for residents living in this part of the city."