Dundee Ice Arena’s finances are expected to be back in the black this year.
A report to be considered by city councillors next week says the venue is predicted to make a surplus of £19,000 on a turnover of £1.085 million.
That compares to a loss of £22,000 run up during the 2012/13 financial year.
Concerns have been raised about the financial health of the 2,300-seat arena, which hosts ice hockey, skating and curling, after it failed to file its accounts with Companies House and the charity regulator on time.
Councillors met in private to approve writing off an £80,000 loan to aid the arms-length board that is in charge of day-to-day operations.
The policy and resources committee will now be asked to back a rise in the management fee paid to the board, up to £281,000 from £262,000 last time. A review of the arena’s operations explains that efforts have been made to cut costs.
“Investigations were ongoing into energy saving systems and the use of alternative energy supplies, but as yet there have been no breakthroughs,” the report states.
“A strategy was put in place whereby cheaper night-time power charges could be utilised more effectively and the arena’s main air conditioning system will be used only in predominantly humid conditions resulting in a considerable reducing in power consumption.
“A three-year fixed unit price for utilities is in place and an independent energy survey is planned.
“To generate savings, the company closely monitored staffing levels and also continued to undertake many minor repairs in-house.”
The arena supports 16 full-time jobs and has been trying to attract additional income unrelated to ice rink activities.
“The facility’s versatility, convenient location and unrestricted parking is demonstrated by the increasing business for its function suites and conference rooms,” the report adds.
During 2013-2014, the arena will host several major events including the Scottish recreational ice hockey championships and the RAF ice hockey championships.
A series of ice shows is also planned as a spin-off from the TV programme Dancing On Ice.