AN ICE-cool attraction is set to return to Southampton – and organisers have promised it will be bigger and better than last year.

Skate Southampton has announced plans to return a temporary ice rink to the city – following a successful debut in 2017.

And organisers say this year’s rink, due to be installed outside Westquay in time for November 10, will be 20% bigger than last year.

Project manager Laurie Scott said: “Skate Southampton is incredibly excited to announce the return of the ice rink to Westquay.

“The team at This Event Co have been working tirelessly throughout the summer to make this year’s event bigger and better, and we cannot wait to be back on site to show you what we’ve been up to.”

Alongside the 900sqm extended rink, said to be 160sqm larger than last year, Skate bosses have promised other improvements.

These include bigger skate exchange, better skates, new skate aids, a larger outdoor space and improved session times.

One major improvement will be the introduction of an ice-resurfacing machine – colloquially known as a ‘Zamboni’ machine.

The machine will keep the ice rink smoother – allowing for better skating.

Bosses have also promised improvements to the Alpine-style bar ‘Moguls’, which will also return this year.

The bar, which serves alcoholic drinks and hot beverages, including hot chocolate, will have a new outdoor space and VIP areas available for hire.

The temporary rink returns after a successful first year in the city in 2017 – attracting 30,000 skaters over between November and January.

Organisers say they were “very happy” with the response and promised to return this year.

One person to welcome the return was Southampton City Council leisure chief, councillor Satvir Kaur.

She said: “It is really great the ice rink will be coming back for another year.

“Southampton is the place to be for Christmas time, with lots going on and and I’m really pleased the ice rink will be an ongoing fixture during the festive period.

“I hope it will be used by people from both inside and outside the city.”

The ice rink is set to be opened on November 10 and will be open until January 6.

Opening times will be from 11.45am to 11pm on weekdays and 10.30am to 11pm on weekends.

Adult tickets will cost £11.50 and child tickets £9.50.

A family ticket of two adults and two children, or one adult and three children, costs £38.