Ice hockey team Manchester Phoenix will move to a new stadium in East Manchester after striking a deal with Manchester City Council.
The 1,000-seater venue is due to open in an existing building on the corner of Ashton New Road and Hillkirk Street.
If full plans are passed the ‘Manchester Ice Dome’ is expected to open to the public in late September 2016.
As well as housing Manchester Phoenix the build will be home to a number of winter sports including ice skating, figure skating, sledging and junior ice hockey.
The ice arena is intended to be a centre of excellence for the National Ice Skating Association of Great Britain and a hub for the British ice dance and synchronised skating teams.
Council projections show half a million people would to use the facility in its first year.
100 new jobs are expected to be created.
It paves the way for professional ice hockey to make a long-term home in Manchester.
Bosses also aim to earmark a permanent site in Manchester or Salford for a more “advanced development”, lasting at least 25 years.
Manchester Phoenix owner Neil Morris said: “Today’s agreement is a crucial step in securing the long-term future of ice sports and leisure within the city of Manchester.
Director of Hockey, Tony Hand MBE said: “This is a fantastic result for Phoenix and for Neil personally.
“The city has been crying out for ice facilities and this venue will benefit all.
“The average age of hockey players is increasing every year. Something needs to be done to bring on our young talent and get them ready for all levels of hockey.
“The GB team would also see better players come through the system in time.
“Neil and I have talked about building an academy for ice hockey for many years now, the time now feels right in a place we can now call home.”
