The elected representatives of the Sierre legislature largely accepted the project by 49 votes, against 7 refusals. They thus notably validated a commitment credit of 30 million francs, or the share of public authorities for the construction of this new 6,500-seat ice rink.
Called to host HC Sierre, which is currently competing in the Swiss League (2nd division), the Valais Arena must replace the dilapidated Graben ice rink. She could be ready for the 2029-2030 season. It will be integrated into a site which will include a second ice surface as well as other buildings dedicated to indoor sports and leisure activities.
Public-private partnership
The project is estimated at 89 million francs, including 59 million financed by private investors led by Chris McSorley, the former strongman of Genève-Servette. The City of Sierre will contribute a maximum of 30 million, knowing that this amount may be reduced with the participation of the Canton of Valais and other municipalities in the district.
Construction is planned in the Condémines district where, in a second phase, an eco-district with 600 housing units is to be created. It should be carried out in stages between 2029 and 2025. The total cost of the project is around 320 million francs.
-Possible referendum
The elected representatives of Sierre, however, did not wish to submit the Valais Arena to a popular vote via an optional referendum. It is therefore up to the opponents, who criticize a “titanic” project, to launch a referendum themselves.
They have already affirmed that they will collect the approximately 970 signatures necessary. If their referendum is successful, the population will have the last word on the Valais Arena.
Finally, note that the debates took place on Wednesday evening in the aula of the HES-SO Valais, requisitioned for the occasion in order to accommodate as many people as possible. HC Sierre also organized a special evening, under a tent next to the Graben ice rink.