One of Melbourne's most popular 'temporary' landmarks is closing down.
Queensbridge Square Ice Rink, which has seen thousands of skaters through its doors during 18 months of operation, closes the end of November.
QBS Ice Rink is making way for Queensbridge Square, Melbourne’s new city square, located between Southgate and the Crown Entertainment precinct.
Queensbridge Square is a joint venture between Melbourne City Council, the state government and publicly listed developer Australand.
“Whilst it will be sad to see QBS Ice Rink close, it will make way for Melbourne first truly public meeting place,” says Australand’s general manager Robert Pradolin.
“Southbank has become a favourite place for Melburnians to meet and enjoy atmosphere that is synonymous with one of the world’s most livable cities. Over the last 15 years, the redevelopment of the south bank of the Yarra River has changed the face of Melbourne creating a vibrant and exciting precinct enjoyed by a range of people” says Pradolin.
Queensbridge Square will adjoin the new Sandbridge pedestrian bridge and Australand’s $750 million iconic Freshwater Place, which is presently under construction.
Freshwater Place has direct frontage to Queensbridge Square and the Yarra River, and will become Melbourne’s new most prestigious address.
Mr. Pradolin went on to say that the Southbank area has become synonymous with inner city living and working, Australand is witnessing strong interest from a number of companies, big and small, wanting to take advantage of the unique environment and be part of an established commercial mixed use precinct.
“Owner occupiers are also looking forward to making Freshwater Water Place home given the unique nature of the retail (which is currently under construction) servicing the daily needs of residents along with the private facilities which include a ½ acre of garden.” The creation of a new square will assist greatly in merging the entire precinct that includes Southgate, the Crown Entertainment Complex and Australand’s own Freshwater Place development which faces the new square.
Pradolin concluded that QBS Ice Rink did prove that Melbourne’s CBD does need family entertainment venues such as an ice rink.
Australand, an ASX listed public company, purchased the adjacent Freshwater Place site in January 2001.
