A BUSINESSMAN has vowed to press ahead with plans for a £10m ice arena, after more than 23,000 people visited a temporary rink in less than three months.

Danish-born Jan Eskildsen wants to build a carbon neutral 3,000- seat arena with Olympic sized ice rink, restaurants and shops on the site of the former home of the legendary Durham Wasps ice hockey team.

He says his temporary rink, which has been open next to the former Wasps’ stadium since mid-December, has proved people want a permanent ice rink.

Mr Eskildsen is in talks over at least two possible locations for an arena, in Durham City centre and Meadowfield.

Weather permitting, the temporary rink will remain open until Sunday, April 18.

It is hoped the rink could then be shifted indoors to allow continued use until a permanent rink is completed, which Mr Eskildsen says could be within a year.

At least 5,000 people have signed a petition calling for a permanent rink. The temporary one has hosted ice hockey matches, discos and a skating challenge.

Mr Eskildsen said: “Everyone says there’s nothing to do in Durham for young kids. This provides an alcohol-free activity.”

Yesterday, the rink hosted a curling session, with coaches from the Royal Caledonian Curling Club and English Curling Association.