PLANS for Colchester’s first ice skating rink have been unveiled.

David Pullen wants to convert Heath House, in Whitehall Industrial Estate’s Grange Way, into the £250,000 attraction.

Mr Pullen, 42, of St John’s Road, Clacton, wanted to open a rink in his home town, but could not find a suitable venue.

He plans to run the venue, called Diamond Ice Rink, with brother George.

Mr Pullen said: “My girlfriend went skating in Chelmsford and it cost £60 for the round trip.

“I looked at it locally and I realised they haven’t got this in Ipswich, Colchester, Clacton or Dovercourt and surrounding areas, so I thought I would give it a go.”

Mr Pullen has submitted a planning application to Colchester Council.

If approved, the rink would open seven days a week, from 10am until 11pm.

The 13,000 sq ft venue would include a snack bar and two conference rooms available for hire.

Up to 80 people could skate on the synthetic ice rink per two-hour session.

Mr Pullen said the rink would measure 2,200 sq ft, with seating for up to 45 people.

The business would employ up to eight people.

Mr Pullen also plans a soft play area for under-sevens.

The building was previously leased to North East Essex Primary Care Trust.

It ran services there for patients with learning difficulties.

This is the second time in two years a bid has been put in for a rink for Colchester.

The council granted permission to turn the former Focus Do It All store in Moss Road, Stanway, into an entertainments complex in November 2009.

The unnamed company behind the bid has shown no further interest.