Sheffield will be the UK's premier destination for ice sports when a new �15.7m development opens in Spring 2003.

'IceSheffield' will contain two Olympic size ice rinks that will link up with the existing Sheffield Arena.

Sport England has provided �13.7m for the project through lottery funding, with the final �2m coming from a loan underwritten by Sheffield City Council.

The sporting attraction is being developed by Sheffield City trust, whose operating arm is Sheffield International Ventures.

The ice rinks will be Olympic size

"We are making fantastic progress at the venue," said Clive Booth, the company's Director of Estates.

"The construction work is ahead of schedule, on budget and looks set for completion by the spring of next year."

Work on IceSheffield has reached a key stage with the installation of 30 miles of cooling pipes that will create the two ice rinks.

The 1,500-seat venue will play host to community based activities such as ice-skating classes as well as professional performance sessions when it is finished.