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80% => The Nevillew General Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 08:25:28



Title: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 08:25:28
So what happened, they told supporters that the Swindon Robins would not be riding this season because they were going to redevelop the stadium! This hasn't happened yet no updates and left wondering if speedways Is now finished and the land will be used for more houses.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Flashheart on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 08:57:55
IIRC, the owner has a history of doing this.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: moredonboy on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 08:59:47
I didn't know the Robins had dropped out of the Premiership League
Sad news

https://www.swindon-speedway.com/_mobile/news.php?extend.3512.1



Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 09:45:33
IIRC, the owner has a history of doing this.

I didn't know that please don't say he's another Power!

Also Flashheart I have no idea if you're familar with the Blunsdon area of Swindon but if you haven't been there for many years you will be surprised how much it's changed as there are now houses on the fields behind the main stand, right behind the pits and opposite the entrance to the car park off of lady lane.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 09:47:27
I didn't know the Robins had dropped out of the Premiership League
Sad news

https://www.swindon-speedway.com/_mobile/news.php?extend.3512.1



Cheers Moredon boy I hadn't read that update from Rosco.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Batch on Saturday, July 17, 2021, 10:08:23
more a subbatical than dropped out.

but I suspect they are finished. the development company are stiffing them.

who wants a speedway stadium near the houses they want to sell.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, September 25, 2022, 18:36:24
i go past the stadium daily and nothing is happening so no chance of it being ready for next March which would mean another year without speedway.

https://businessmag.co.uk/property/next-phase-of-swindons-abbey-stadium-development-could-finally-begin/


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Batch on Monday, September 26, 2022, 06:55:59
Do you honestly think it'll ever get done.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Monday, September 26, 2022, 07:15:27
Do you honestly think it'll ever get done.

No. Though TBF I have no idea what the hold up is at present. My guess is planning.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Monday, September 26, 2022, 07:20:02
Do you honestly think it'll ever get done.

Not now, just wish they would come out and be honest about it as the history of the club deserves so much more.
They have fenced off the big car park probably for the next housing development leaving just a small area behind the old cheap stand which is full of some sort of storage containers similar to whet you see in the back of articulated lorries with curtains either side.


Title: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Batch on Monday, September 26, 2022, 07:26:55
Quote
No. Though TBF I have no idea what the hold up is at present. My guess is planning.
you could be right, I really hope I'm wrong. though as Jimmy says, looks like another year at least.


https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20588748.hope-swindons-abbey-stadium-five-new-planning-applications-submitted/ (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20588748.hope-swindons-abbey-stadium-five-new-planning-applications-submitted/)

this at least suggests the condition to complete the stadium before some houses (lady lane) can be built is still in place. So that's good for now

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/21153981.closure-rumours-without-foundation-say-swindon-stadium-bosses/ (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/21153981.closure-rumours-without-foundation-say-swindon-stadium-bosses/)

Quote

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, whose constituency encompasses the stadium site suggested one reason for the rumours of closure might have been an announcement by Taylor Wimpey that it was soon to start work on 127 houses in Lady lane, near the racetrack.

When permission for the houses was given, a condition was imposed that work may not start until the construction work to rebuild the stadium was completed.

...

“We have seen some progress on the site in the last 12 months and we know for sure that Swindon Borough Council has not changed the condition which rightly says work on the stadium must be completed before the final houses are built." (Tomlinson)



Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Posh Red on Monday, September 26, 2022, 08:51:15
you could be right, I really hope I'm wrong. though as Jimmy says, looks like another year at least.


https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20588748.hope-swindons-abbey-stadium-five-new-planning-applications-submitted/ (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20588748.hope-swindons-abbey-stadium-five-new-planning-applications-submitted/)

this at least suggests the condition to complete the stadium before some houses (lady lane) can be built is still in place. So that's good for now

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/21153981.closure-rumours-without-foundation-say-swindon-stadium-bosses/ (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/21153981.closure-rumours-without-foundation-say-swindon-stadium-bosses/)


Unfortunately an appropriately sized brown envelope will overcome that.

Speedway in this country is likely to disappear in the future, Peterborough have been kicked out of their stadium with no likelihood of a new track.

Kings Lynn look safe at the moment, but largely because the Arena is used for Stock Car Racing as well


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, September 26, 2022, 09:18:04
Totally random but I noticed when researching the Milton Keynes Bowl last week that the registered address of the company owners are the same as the Abbey Stadium. I think Gaming International Ltd guys have fingers in lots of pies (Torquay United's ground as well unless I am mistaken) and I suspect make the most wonga knocking down these stadia and selling for development.

https://thenationalbowl.net/


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Monday, September 26, 2022, 09:26:07
Looking at the development all around the stadium it's hard to see how speedway can have any future.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: horlock07 on Monday, September 26, 2022, 09:32:33
you could be right, I really hope I'm wrong. though as Jimmy says, looks like another year at least.


https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20588748.hope-swindons-abbey-stadium-five-new-planning-applications-submitted/ (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/20588748.hope-swindons-abbey-stadium-five-new-planning-applications-submitted/)

this at least suggests the condition to complete the stadium before some houses (lady lane) can be built is still in place. So that's good for now

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/21153981.closure-rumours-without-foundation-say-swindon-stadium-bosses/ (https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/21153981.closure-rumours-without-foundation-say-swindon-stadium-bosses/)


Those sort of conditions are entirely standard on any big project and despite the demonstrators moaning as they will be conditions precedent literally nothing can be done until they are discharged otherwise if would just kill the consent dead, they key will be whether the Council has tied up (through a s.106 agreement) that only 'x' number of houses can be sold/occupied until various trigger points have been achieved on the stadium element of the scheme. FWIW I suspect the Council were trying to do likewise on the houses bit of Powers scheme in Highworth, hence them not progressing ultimately.

Unfortunately an appropriately sized brown envelope will overcome that.

Despite what a lot of the media would like you to think, planning doesn't really work like that.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Wobbly Bob on Monday, September 26, 2022, 09:39:58
So that's no speedway in Swindon since the last title winning season?

Shame, as speedway has had an important role in the sporting culture of the town.



Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Monday, September 26, 2022, 09:53:13
So that's no speedway in Swindon since the last title winning season?

Shame, as speedway has had an important role in the sporting culture of the town.



Exactly that Bob, full of promises which is a shame as we had a lot of momentum with Rosco in charge and crowds were decent with exciting racing.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Monday, September 26, 2022, 11:39:37
Thought the speedway on the TV has dropped in standard too. The Premier league stuff on Sky has been rubbish - Not sure if that is because there are so few teams, or because the riders are either young kids, old men at the end of their career, or the odd top rider without their best equipment.

The GP stuff has been poor too. First from the gate wins - Often been the way, but the tracks don't seem to have any grip that would allow passing.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 07:23:17
When BT had speedway a few years ago the coverage was good and speedway was exciting but now as you say the tracks have become boring and the quality isn't there anymore and hard to see that the sport has a future.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Posh Red on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 09:37:52
When BT had speedway a few years ago the coverage was good and speedway was exciting but now as you say the tracks have become boring and the quality isn't there anymore and hard to see that the sport has a future.

I think part of the problem is that the bikes/engines are just too fast/powerful.

Also doesn’t help the way the tracks are setup.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 14:40:10
Game over it would appear. https://www.swindon-speedway.com/_mobile/news.php?extend.3519.1

I don't know Swindon that well, but what are the chance of getting a site for a motor sport stadium in such a built up area, when I worked in Workington the speedway track was across the road from the Council offices, that was noisy enough!


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Anteater on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 14:51:56
This has been a shambles from at least 10 years ago. Lots of promises never met. Combo of moneymen / politicians never interested in speedway one bit  Greyhounds kept things going for a while, planning permission for housing was always going to do for speedway at the Abbey. So sad to see this !


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: stfcjack on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 15:50:38
Very sad news. Unfortunately could see this coming a mile off. Another kick in the teeth to Swindon heritage. Another housing estate awaits.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 21:10:46
Game over it would appear. https://www.swindon-speedway.com/_mobile/news.php?extend.3519.1

I don't know Swindon that well, but what are the chance of getting a site for a motor sport stadium in such a built up area, when I worked in Workington the speedway track was across the road from the Council offices, that was noisy enough!

Really sad news as I had many good times at the Abbey stadium and disappointed that the supporters and people of Swindon have been led up the garden path with lies.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 21:17:24
Indeed. Writing was on the wall when Wally Mawdsley took over! 😂

Seriously,  the sale to British Car Auctions was bad. The move from Saturday to Thursday was a killer for many out of town fans. Then Gaming International and their dissolution of speedway at Reading, Poole and now Swindon.

All they cared about was the greyhound racing. Must have made them more money.



Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 22:07:59
As a teenager Saturday's were spent at the country ground in the afternoon then rushing home for some tea then hopping on a green double decker bus up to the Abbey stadium for the speedway. Happy memories.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: horlock07 on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 08:06:39
All they cared about was the greyhound racing. Must have made them more money.


Which would suggest that Speedway is seriously on its arse as Greyhound racing seems barely viable in many places, albeit seen suggestion elsewhere its the 6th most watched sport in the UK (but I suspect that once you get below football, rugby and cricket the attendances don't need to be very high to get on that list!).


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Bob's Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 08:10:45
Which would suggest that Speedway is seriously on its arse as Greyhound racing seems barely viable in many places, albeit seen suggestion elsewhere its the 6th most watched sport in the UK (but I suspect that once you get below football, rugby and cricket the attendances don't need to be very high to get on that list!).

Is Speedway lumped in as motor sport in that list? Or would it be completely separate from F1, MotoGP etc?


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: horlock07 on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 08:15:01
Is Speedway lumped in as motor sport in that list? Or would it be completely separate from F1, MotoGP etc?

The 6th on the list was Greyhound racing, no idea where speedway stands sorry.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 09:25:11
Good piece in the Adver although a litle inconclusive.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/22816220.future-hold-abbey-stadium/


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: horlock07 on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 09:41:44
Good piece in the Adver although a litle inconclusive.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/22816220.future-hold-abbey-stadium/

Long and short, unless they get the s.106 varied or removed the final 179 houses won't be built until the stadium is finished.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 09:45:17
But what would the stadium be used for!


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Batch on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:11:48
exactly Jimmy.

I reckon the dogs are on their last legs. You surely aren't going to build a new stadium for them alone.

Assuming the current stadium isn't fit for purpose for much longer they will surely 'reluctantly' vary the 106


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Bob's Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:18:15
exactly Jimmy.

I reckon the dogs are on their last legs. You surely aren't going to build a new stadium for them alone.

Assuming the current stadium isn't fit for purpose for much longer they will surely 'reluctantly' vary the 106

Complete aside but I went on a work event at Romford dogs a few years ago. It was great fun but there were some 'fascinating' people there. Romford itself didn't live fondly in the memory, alongside a visit to Luton some years previously. Once was very much enough for me!

There was a guy from work who wasn't the sharpest tool in the box and didn't really know what to do so ended up copying me. (which wasn't the best idea as I was pretty much going by guesswork also) After yet another blank race I was amazed to see him with £50 in his hand which he had collected. He ended up mishearing my 'tip' and going with a completely different selection which ended up paying out!


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: cdakev on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:22:27
Terrible news but expected. For some of us on here we used to go to Football and speedway.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:26:21
exactly Jimmy.

I reckon the dogs are on their last legs. You surely aren't going to build a new stadium for them alone.

Assuming the current stadium isn't fit for purpose for much longer they will surely 'reluctantly' vary the 106

That's the intriguing bit of the report and I have no idea what he's alluding to unless it's Bangor racing.

Club Chairman Terry Russell said: “I am disappointed that my 17-year involvement with the club has ended. However, I am very excited about the new venture and bringing a new facility built especially for motorsports.”


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Bob's Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:38:42
That's the intriguing bit of the report and I have no idea what he's alluding to unless it's Bangor racing.

Club Chairman Terry Russell said: “I am disappointed that my 17-year involvement with the club has ended. However, I am very excited about the new venture and bringing a new facility built especially for motorsports.”

From this article -

https://britishspeedway.co.uk/miscellaneous/swindon-speedway-statement/

However, these recent discussions have revealed a keenness from a number of potential investors to create a new motor sport stadium within the environs of greater Swindon.

It is the intention that the site would be a new build, in an environment which would allow regular use of a stadium specifically for Motorsports. Speedway would form an integral part of this plan.

Consequently, a new company Swindon Motorsports Limited has been formed with the intention of identifying a suitable site and achieving planning permission. It is hoped that this option will bring about the swift return of speedway to Swindon.

Club Chairman Terry Russell said: “I am disappointed that my 17-year involvement with the club has ended. However, I am very excited about the new venture and bringing a new facility built especially for motorsports.”


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:48:52
From this article -

https://britishspeedway.co.uk/miscellaneous/swindon-speedway-statement/

However, these recent discussions have revealed a keenness from a number of potential investors to create a new motor sport stadium within the environs of greater Swindon.

It is the intention that the site would be a new build, in an environment which would allow regular use of a stadium specifically for Motorsports. Speedway would form an integral part of this plan.

Consequently, a new company Swindon Motorsports Limited has been formed with the intention of identifying a suitable site and achieving planning permission. It is hoped that this option will bring about the swift return of speedway to Swindon.

Club Chairman Terry Russell said: “I am disappointed that my 17-year involvement with the club has ended. However, I am very excited about the new venture and bringing a new facility built especially for motorsports.”

Cheers Bob, the Adver being selective on what they print😀


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Cookie on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:56:02
I assume a venue with karting, bangers, track days, motocross etc plus speedway could be viable assuming a site is found. Maybe the old South Marston airfield but dunno what the plans are for the Honda site.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Posh Red on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 11:25:37
It’s ironic that Peterborough are in the same boat, and are looking for an out of town site for speedway. The greyhound stadium closed a few years ago, but wasn’t being used for anything else, speedway being at the showground


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Shizzle on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 11:38:28
From this article -

https://britishspeedway.co.uk/miscellaneous/swindon-speedway-statement/

However, these recent discussions have revealed a keenness from a number of potential investors to create a new motor sport stadium within the environs of greater Swindon.

It is the intention that the site would be a new build, in an environment which would allow regular use of a stadium specifically for Motorsports. Speedway would form an integral part of this plan.

Consequently, a new company Swindon Motorsports Limited has been formed with the intention of identifying a suitable site and achieving planning permission. It is hoped that this option will bring about the swift return of speedway to Swindon.

Club Chairman Terry Russell said: “I am disappointed that my 17-year involvement with the club has ended. However, I am very excited about the new venture and bringing a new facility built especially for motorsports.”

Maybe they could attach a snowdome to side of the proposed new facility?


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Trashbat? on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 11:55:26
I live by the stadium and noticed that the Taylor Wimpy sign that went up yesterday about new homes had been ripped down over night.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Batch on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 14:24:46
I live by the stadium and noticed that the Taylor Wimpy sign that went up yesterday about new homes had been ripped down over night.
Excellent


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: horlock07 on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 15:37:45
exactly Jimmy.

I reckon the dogs are on their last legs. You surely aren't going to build a new stadium for them alone.

Assuming the current stadium isn't fit for purpose for much longer they will surely 'reluctantly' vary the 106

That's what I would be advising my client, sorry Mr Planning Officer both users of the potential new stadium have walked away from the scheme so there is no longer need for it (or a viable use) but we note that you do need new houses as these will be accounted for in your housing numbers, so if you can just endorse this document here and here.

Whether the Council have the gumption to stand their ground who knows.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Bob's Orange on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 16:50:49
I see the Oasis is now a ruin as well, there won't be a lot of decent memories of the town left at this rate. At least the CG appears to be moving in the right direction.


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Batch on Thursday, September 29, 2022, 16:58:50
Quote from: horlock07

Whether the Council have the gumption to stand their ground who knows.

I think we do know


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: THE FLASH on Friday, September 30, 2022, 09:28:49
Terrible news.

Some sad posts on FB from the Speedway die hards.

Will the CG get a roof on the bank before or after this motor sport centre is built?


Title: Re: Speedway Stadium
Post by: horlock07 on Friday, September 30, 2022, 10:18:00
Will the CG get a roof on the bank before or after this motor sport centre is built?

I suspect that the CG will get an overall retractable roof before this motor sport centre is built.


Title: Speedway Stadium
Post by: Batch on Friday, September 30, 2022, 14:34:20
you never know. they finished Mead Way the other day

if that can happen, surely anything can