Telford’s ice rink is to close for a new £4 million upgrade, creating nearly 30 jobs, as part of a series of ambitious plans to transform the town centre.

Plans for a £4 million revamp of Telford Ice Rink are being recommended for approval by council chiefs, it was revealed this afternoon.

A new ‘energy centre’ providing electricity and hot water to bars, restaurants and shops in the £250 million Southwater development forms part of plans to revamp Telford Ice Rink, it was revealed today.

Telford Ice Rink could have been nothing more than an ‘embarrassing, empty, flooded shed’ if it had it been signed over from the council to a private firm, it has been claimed.

A long-established event on the Shropshire sporting calendar will have its final fling in 2012.

More than £3 million is to be ploughed into bringing Telford ice rink up to scratch after plans to privatise it were abandoned.

Telford Ice Rink is to remain in council ownership and could receive a £4 million revamp.