SOUTHAMPTON'S ambitious plans to build a multi-million-pound ice rink and casino have taken another step forward.

City bosses have endorsed plans by West Quay stage three developers Bravo to press ahead with building a public ice rink on top of a multi-storey car park - in spite of continuing uncertainty surrounding the planned casino development at West Quay.

Three weeks ago, the Daily Echo revealed how Bravo plans to build a public ice rink on top of the car park to serve the Quays leisure complex and the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, in addition to an Olympic sized ice rink.

It will form the first part of the city's West Quay stage three arena development, which will include the planned casino complex.

The casino itself is due to be constructed by American gaming firm, Ameristar and will help pay for the development of the 10,000- seat arena and hotel, which will cost £250m.

City bosses are lobbying the government for one of eight region-al casino licences, which are due to be issued in April next year.

During a meeting yesterday of the council's ruling Liberal Democrat group, Southampton City Council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson reaffirmed the council's commitment to the project.

He said: "This does represent a prudent approach maximising the benefit to the council and Southampton's citizens."

Construction work on the public ice rink will take place before work on the main arena and Olympic ice rink begins and is likely to begin some time in 2006.

The government is due to make a decision on whether to issue Southampton with a casino licence at the end of 2006.