Birmingham's only ice rink is set to re-open three years after it was destroyed by a fire.
Under multi-million pound plans, the venue's owner Planet Ice hopes to restore the rink in Pershore Street to its former glory.
The Lichfield-based company, which runs a string of ice rinks across the UK, will submit a planning application to Birmingham City Council this week for the former Silver Blades site.
If given the go-ahead, it could re-open in 2008. The project will also see the development of 230 one and two-bedroom apartments above the ice rink and a cafeteria.
The announcement comes in the wake of a recent surge in the popularity of ice skating following the Winter Olympics, the celebrity reality TV programme Dancing on Ice and the outdoor Christmas ice rink in Victoria Square.
A total of 52,000 people flocked to the temporary rink, which was operated by the company from November last year to February.
Wilf O'Reilly, executive director of Planet Ice, said the rink would provide an opportunity for youngsters in the city to take up the sport.
The former UK Olympic speed skating gold medallist said the company would also form a partnership with local schools and community groups, to offer free use of the rink during daytime hours.
