“While we had undertaken research with a broad segment of the community in drafting the proposed plans ... it is clear that we need to take more time to engage with those who love the centre and incorporate their feedback into the next stage of the development." Ahead of a planned major upgrade to the shopping centre, AMP Capital had told owner Frank Gregg that the ice rink's lease would finish on January 31 next year. An artist's impression of the proposed redevelopment of the Macquarie Centre. The outcry included a Change.org petition that quickly attracted more than 20,000 signatures and dismay from Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury, who said it was "sad to see how many sports spaces have been gobbled up due to the ridiculous demand for real estate across Australia". Other elite skaters described the planned closure as "devastating" and an "absolute disaster" for the community and future Olympians.

The member for Ryde and NSW Finance Minister, Victor Dominello, described AMP Capital's decision as a "great win for David over Goliath". Loading "If they consult with the community in the same way I consulted with the community as to whether they want the ice rink or not, I know what the community is going to say: that is, 'keep the ice rink'," he said. "I think they've made a responsible decision to pause the application to hopefully put in a proposal that includes the ice rink." Mr Dominello said he would welcome a continued facility that could cater for both elite athletes and recreational skaters.

"We have a growing population here in the north-west," he said. "This is an iconic ice rink. If they got something bigger and better, that would be very warmly received." As well as being open to the public, the 39-year-old ice rink has been a training ground for champion skaters including Bradbury, who won Australia's first winter Olympic gold medal. Steven Bradbury (left) on the podium at Macquarie Ice Rink in 1991. Mr Dominello described the community opposition to the plan as "overwhelming". "It was more than just an emotional response and a sentimental response, which were valid responses because of the connections that people have had over the years, it's also a rational response because people need more recreation space, not less, in a growing community," he said.

Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale, who will be running against Mr Dominello in the upcoming state election, had blamed "a state government rezoning of the land - allowing development up to 27 storeys - that had led to the decision to demolish the rink". Welcoming AMP Capital's decision, Dr Gregg described the community support as "absolutely fantastic". This photo shows how popular the rink was in 1983. Credit:Adrian Greer "It's been very heartening that they think so much of the rink," he said. "I've spent a lot of money on it in recent times to bring it right up to speed so it's world-class." Dr Gregg said it was important to continue having an Olympic-sized rink rather than a smaller replacement that had been under consideration to allow ice hockey and speed skating. "Anything smaller than that is just a waste of time," he said.