He said: iceSheffield is a fantastic development for the city and just shows how lottery money can really benefit peoples lives.

Sport England chief executive, Roger Draper, said: iceSheffield is the second world class venue in the country to offer dedicated time for elite athletes to train, yet also provide opportunities for the wider community to make use of fantastic facilities.

With seating for 1,500, iceSheffield features two 60 x 30m Olympic-sized ice pads; a bar and restaurant; skaters café; bar terrace; dance studio; créche; eight changing rooms; fitness facilities and retail outlets. It also has 350 dedicated parking spaces.

Elite performance sessions and ice sports development will run hand in hand with recreational skating opportunities including NISA-supervised Learn to skate classes, children's parties, community use and disco skating sessions.

The £15.7m development is part of Sheffield City Trust's operating division, Sheffield International Venues.

Most of the cost of the project - adjacent to the new English Institute of Sport, off Attercliffe Common - is coming from Sports Lottery funding through Sport England. Details: www.icesheffield.co.uk

Close Window