The future of speedway and other sports at Abbey Stadium in north Swindon is under threat, as Gaming International, the stadium’s owner, has submitted planning applications that could transform the site beyond recognition.
The company has applied for permission to build 130 new homes on part of the stadium grounds, including most of the race track area. The planned housing estate would be organized into two irregular arcs split by a main road running west to east, with the primary access off Lady Lane. A triangular public open space would separate the two housing clusters. The homes will mainly be traditional two-storey semi-detached and terraced houses, with some three-storey houses and two apartment blocks positioned near proposed community facilities.
According to the application, the housing design draws inspiration from Swindon’s rich architectural heritage, blending Victorian and Edwardian styles with contemporary features.
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Alongside the residential plans, Gaming International proposes to repurpose the existing partially refurbished stadium buildings into commercial and community spaces. These would include a community centre, convenience shop, café, and a sports club with leisure amenities such as cricket practice nets and five padel courts. Additional facilities might feature a gym, a village hall or cinema, health and wellness areas, and spaces for small businesses or startups. Plans also include self-storage units for residents and a small outdoor market area.
Gaming International, which has stated that the Swindon stadium is no longer viable for speedway, is also part of the Swindon Motorsports consortium that has applied for permission to develop a new speedway track at Studley Grange, located on the southern edge of Swindon within Wiltshire Council’s jurisdiction.
The decision to submit redevelopment plans for Abbey Stadium before the Studley Grange application is resolved has sparked concern among local officials. Councillor Jason Mills, representing the St Andrews ward encompassing Abbey Stadium, expressed his frustration. He criticized Clarke Osborne, CEO of Gaming International, for submitting the applications despite requests to wait until the Studley Grange decision is finalized. Mills has called for the applications to be “called-in,” meaning they would be reviewed and decided upon publicly by the planning committee due to the high public interest.
He warned that the redevelopment could mark the end of speedway in the wider Swindon area. The planning committee will ultimately determine the fate of the applications, but the community awaits anxiously as a beloved sporting legacy hangs in the balance.