LIVERPOOL’S magnificent St George’s Hall is being transformed into the world’s grandest ice rink in time for Christmas.

The Great Hall, restored at huge expense over the past five years, will house a 144 sq m rink.

Up to 50 visitors at a time can skate inside the city’s Grade I listed heritage jewel reopened by Prince Charles earlier this year.

The rink is made of a synthetic material sprayed to look like ice.

It means there is no risk of damaging the Great Hall’s ornate floor.

The rink opens from Friday December 21 until Saturday January 5, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Skaters will glide across the floor to the sounds of festive music and there will be mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep visitors in seasonal mood.

Liverpool’s lord mayor and lady mayoress Paul and Hilary Clark will be among the first to strap on their skates.

Cllr Clark said: “The ice rink will bring the Great Hall alive attracting people inside and giving them a chance to take a break from last-minute Christmas shopping and get into the festive mood in a safe environment.

“The lady mayoress and I are very much looking forward to putting on our skates, going for a spin and gliding our way to Capital of Culture year.”

The ice rink will be open daily from 10am-8pm and businesses can hire it out in the evening for Christmas parties.

Culture officials today said the attraction was a prime example of how they hoped to make the most of Liverpool’s unique heritage during 2008.

Deputy chairman of the Culture Company and council leader Warren Bradley said: “St George’s Hall is the jewel in Liverpool’s architectural crown, and we really want as many people as possible to enjoy its splendour.

“The indoor ice rink illustrates how one of the city’s most iconic buildings can be used in a really imaginative way.

“During 2008 we will be programming a variety of exciting events so the people of Liverpool can enjoy this amazing space and the great facilities it has to offer.”

St George’s Hall, in Lime Street, is said to be Prince Charles’s favourite building.

Its £23m restoration was completed earlier this year.

Skating fans can also look forward to seeing the experts in action when Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean appear at the Echo Arena in May 2008.

Facts

* THE ice rink will be open from 10am to 8pm (last admission 7.20pm) from Friday December 21 to Saturday January 5, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

* Tickets for a 30-minute session are available from St George’s Hall heritage centre.

* Pre-booking is advised and tickets can be reserved on0151-225 6909 (booking fee £1).

* Tickets - £6 (£5 concessions). Family tickets - £15 (four people, maximum two adults). Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.