In 2006, ten years after the closure of the Riverside Rink, we conducted a survey of 250 people to assess the demand for ice in Durham a decade on, and to find out what people wanted out of a new facility. Here’s what they said.

::::: How old are you? :::::

1: 12%
2: 21%
3: 23%
4: 21%
5+: 23%

Notes: This demonstrates a big potential market to attract families to a new facility in Durham – 67% of those questioned had three or more members of their family interested in ice sports.

::::: Where do you currently watch hockey / skate? :::::

Newcastle Arena: (hockey only): 29%
Billingham Forum: (skating/hockey) 6%
Whitley Bay Ice Rink: (skating/hockey) 12%
Combination: (skating/hockey) 15%
Elsewhere: (skating/hockey) 21%
Nowhere: 17%

Notes: Majority of those questioned were at the time using Newcastle Arena - presumably for ice hockey only. 32% stated that they were either not commited to any venue in particular or not currently attending any venue for ice sports.

::::: Are you a previous Durham Ice Rink user? :::::

Yes: 62%
No: 38%

::::: If a new ice rink was built in Durham would you use it? :::::

Yes: 94%
No: 6%

::::: What do you think the most important aspect is in ensuring an ice rink in Durham is viable? :::::

“Commercial viability & sensible management”
“Availability of ice for the public”
“Family orientated”
“Accessibility by private and public transport”
“Parking”
“Good catering and visitor facilities”
“Multi-use venue for other events but with a focus on ice”
“Value-for-money pricing”
“Community involvement”
“Focus on junior development - skating & hockey”
“Enough seats to compete but a ‘rink’ atmosphere not an ‘arena’ atmosphere”

::::: Where would be the best location for a new rink in Durham? :::::

City Centre (or close to) / The Sands / Riverside: 81 mentions
Belmont / Gilesgate A1(M) / Dragonville: 60 mentions
Arnison Centre / Framwellgate / A691 / N.Hall: 17 mentions
Consett / North West Co. Durham: 6 mentions
Meadowfield / Brandon: 5 mentions
Chester-le-Street / North Co. Durham: 2 mentions
Maiden Castle / Shincliffe: 2 mentions
Aycliffe / South West Co. Durham: 1 mention
Easington / East Co. Durham: 1 mention
On the site of an existing District Sports Centre: 1 mention

Notes: In response to this answer, there were lots of comments citing no-site in specific as long as it’s accessible for parking and Public Transport. A large number of respondants identified the former Riverside Rink site as their preferred location, however the CDIF acknowledges that this site, or indeed any site within the City Centre is unlikely to become available for redevelopment as an ice arena.

Of the out-of-town locations, but still within 3 miles of the centre of Durham, the Belmont / Dragonville area was by far the most popular, with many citing access to the A1(M) as a key consideration. A number of sites were mentioned in this area including land currently being redeveloped near Tesco, and the former Philips factory on the Belmont Industrial Estate.

Outside of Durham City, Consett, Chester-le-Street, Newton Aycliffe and the Easington areas were all mentioned as alternatives, however, in small numbers.

::::: Which of the following skating activities would you be most interested in? :::::

Recreational Skating: 84%
Beginner skating lessons: 35%
Skating competitions / galas / shows: 30%
Under-18 Skate sessions with DJ: 20%
NISA-level training / skating club: 14%
Speed Skating: 4%

Notes: Recreational skating needs to form the backbone of peak evening and weekend ice time. Significant demand for ice shows and competitions – events which are not often seen in the North East

::::: What seating capacity do you think a rink in Durham should have? :::::

Less than 2000: 6%
2000: 12%
3000: 38%
4000: 24%
5000: 12%
6000: 2%
More than 6000: 4%

Notes: More than 60% believed that a Durham rink should be either 3000 or 4000 seats while three-quarters of respondants opted for 3,000 to 5,000 seats. The figures indicate that the public are keen to see a sizeable but sustainable capacity ice arena. Only 6% of those questioned favoured a rink with a capacity smaller than 2000 or a capacity of 6,000 or greater.

::::: Which ice hockey league would you prefer to see a senior Durham team entered into? :::::

Elite or equivalent: 47%
English Premier League: 30%
A new Northern League or equivalent: 13%
ENL North: 11%

Notes: Nearly half of the respondants wished to see Durham competing in the highest national league. Second choice was the English Premier League, while the prospect of entertaining old rivals Whitley Warriors and Billingham Bombers held little appeal, with only 11% opting for ENL North hockey.

::::: If a new rink opened in Durham, how would you most-likely attend games? :::::

With a season ticket: 26%
Game-by-game basis: 40%
Occasional attendance: 26%
I wouldn’t – I’d stick with my current team: 8%

Notes: Healthy indication of interest in season tickets, and two-thirds of those responding identified they would attend either a season ticket holder or on a regular game-by-game basis.

::::: How would the League entered into influence your above decision? :::::

I’d only attend if Elite League: 7%
Would prefer top level but would still attend: 40%
Would attend regardless of League: 53%

Notes: Indicative of the passion surrounding the desire to see Durham hockey return at any level… Though top-level ice hockey would be the preferred choice by a sizeable group, it appears fan-loyalty would remain high, whatever the level.

::::: Would you, or a member of your family be interested in joining a junior or adult recreational ice hockey team in Durham? :::::

41% of respondants (103 people) indicated that they had a family member who would be interested in joining a junior team or beginners’ programme at Durham.

54% of respondants (135 people) indicated that they had a family member who would be interested in joining a recreational ice hockey team at Durham.

Notes: Massive potential already for establishing a junior development organisation and an “in-house” league of recreational teams.

::::: Should a new team in Durham be called “Durham Wasps”, or have a new name? :::::

Durham Wasps: 80%
New Name: 20%

Notes: Though debate still rages, the name “Durham Wasps” is still the popular choice for the reborn senior team in Durham.

::::: What else would you like to see take place at a new ice sports venue in Durham? :::::

1. Music Concerts: 70%
2 “Night-club” nights: 37%
3. Indoor 5-a-side Football Tournaments: 35%
4. Basketball: 26%
5. Curling: 26%
6. Boxing: 23%
7. Sledge Hockey: 17%
8. Ten Pin Bowling:10%

Notes: Big demand for a substantial concert and music venue in Durham. Also scope for alliances with Soccarena at Belmont to hold an annual showcase 5-a-side tournament with spectator capacity, as their building has no room for seating. Approximately a quarter of those questioned also expressed an interest in basketball, curling and boxing. All are untested in Durham but have scope for potential development.