A company looking to operate an ice rink in Douglas this Christmas is seeking to change location.

Frosty's Wonderland Isle of Man Ltd submitted a planning application in October for an ice rink at the Boneyard at Noble’s Park, near to the TT Grandstand.

However, the company has now submitted a new application to set up the rink at the former Lord Street car park.

The company has confirmed to Media IoM the new application would be instead of the site at Noble’s Park although that application has not yet been withdrawn.

The plan is to operate the ice rink from December 12 until January 10, opening from 10am to 10pm.

The planning statement says: ‘We seek approval to erect a seasonal ice rink within a 12m x 42m marquee.

‘The marquee will be put up no more than 10 days before and removed no longer than 10 days after the event.

‘The ice rink will operate as a four-week seasonal event throughout December 2026 and January 2027, with opening hours of 10am to 10pm. The marquee will house an 11m x 30m Christmas-themed ice rink, skate hire facilities and a Christmas market.’

The applicant says skating will run on a timed session basis, with rink capacity set at 100 skaters per session across up to 10 sessions a day.

An observation area will be provided for spectators, allowing friends and family to view skating activities, while a kiosk inside the marquee will offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Two to three local food vendors will be situated outside the marquee.

The Christmas market will operate within the marquee two days each week throughout the event period.

The applicant says: ‘The event is anticipated to attract between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors over the event period, consistent with previous events of this type held by the applicant on the island.’

The planning statement says on-site parking will be available, including six designated accessible spaces, with suitable provision made for coaches and minibuses while the site also backs directly onto Douglas's main bus station.

If the proposals are given the go ahead, tickets will be available for purchase via an online booking system as well as on-site.

In conclusion, the applicant says: ‘This proposal is for a temporary, fully reversible development, consistent with an established seasonal event that the applicant has successfully delivered on the Isle of Man for 10 years. ‘Comprehensive provisions are in place for site access, parking, health and safety, and waste management, and the site will be fully restored on completion.

‘On this basis, it is respectfully requested that planning permission be granted for the period stated.’

The Fun Barn in Onchan also turns its roller skating facility into an ice skating rink during the festive period while there have been other temporary rinks over the years.

Planners will consider the latest application by Frosty's Wonderland Isle of Man Ltd in due course.