El Segundo May Get Rink Fit for Kings : Hockey: City Council gives tentative approval to sports complex that could provide a practice rink for pros.

The El Segundo City Council has approved in concept a developer’s plan to build a multimillion dollar retail center that could house a new practice rink for the Los Angeles Kings.

The project, proposed by Chappell Development of Woodland Hills, would include two ice surfaces, a bowling alley, an indoor miniature golf center, retail shops and theaters.

The Kings have been offered one of the rinks for practice, developer Bob Chappell said.

However, Roy Mlakar, executive vice president of the National Hockey League club, cautioned that a decision on a new practice arena by the Kings is months away.

“We have shown our interest in the future development of ice facilities in a number of areas,” he said. “El Segundo is, indeed, one of them. We have met with city officials and a developer. We’ve found things to be proceeding very, very slowly. We are not in any position at this time to be a part of what we consider a very premature proposal.”

Mlakar said the Kings have also held talks with a developer about building a facility in Inglewood. Currently, the Kings practice at the Culver City Ice Arena.

“El Segundo makes a tremendous amount of sense, certainly,” Mlakar said. “If it was within our means we would move (out of Culver City) rapidly, but unfortunately, a variety of obstacles (in this project) have not allowed us to move as yet.”

Chappell would not disclose the estimated total cost of the retail center, but said the Kings had been offered a customized 50,000 square foot practice rink. “From my standpoint,” Chappell said. “I told the (the Kings) that if (they) want the site, I want (them).”

The project is proposed for a 23-acre site at the northeast corner of Mariposa Ave. and Nash St. The land is owned by Chevron Oil Co., which in recent years has been divesting itself of small parcels of land within the city.

El Segundo City Manager Ron Cano stressed that, although the City Council has shown “favorable feelings toward the project, no formal application for land development has been made by Chappell.”

However, “the project is compatible with the community,” he said, “and, at this point, we have no problems with it.”

Several obstacles remain, including a complicated land deal that involves El Segundo, Chappell and Chevron Oil Co. Two acres of the site would be deeded by Chevron to the city, which would then sell it to Chappell, according to Cano “in exchange for interest or consideration at another site (in the city).”

Chappell said he recently completed an agreement with both the city and Chevron that will allow him to open escrow on the properties. However, Chevron spokesman Rod Spackman termed the negotiations “preliminary,” and said no sale price had been set yet.

Chappell said he is confident construction can begin as early as next spring.

Cano said that timetable is unrealistic, because Chappell does not hold title to the land and an environmental study needs to be completed before a formal proposal could be brought before the city Planning Commission.