Abbey Stadium revamp gets underway

After a decade of planning, work has officially begun on the building of a new greyhound and speedway stadium at Abbey Meads.

At a ground breaking ceremony, CEO of Gaming International Clarke Osborne was joined by Cllr Toby Elliott (Con, Priory Vale), Tom Lloyd-Jones of Lloyds Bank and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.

Mr Osborne said: “The carefully planned and long awaited construction of our brand-new greyhound and speedway racecourse starts today. Years of planning and hard work have finally come together and we break ground today.” He thanked Mr Tomlinson, Cllr Elliott and Mr Lloyd-Jones for their support, adding: “We have been through some tough times together and their close working and support is an example of how a solid relationship between a business and its bank can succeed.”

Speaking at the event, Justin Tomlinson said: “It’s amazing to think that this project started back in 2006 and it has been 10 years to get us to this day. There have been many obstacles to overcome on that journey and I commend Clarke and his team for their determination and sheer hard work.

“This development is significant for greyhound and speedway racing fans and secures a major new sporting and leisure facility for Swindon. We still have a way to go but we are on the final lap and I am looking forward to the finishing line.”

Cllr Elliott added: “My congratulations to all of the GI team in making this happen and my thanks to my colleagues at Swindon Borough Council who have continued to support this important project, which will provide new, modern leisure facilities for the residents of Swindon.”

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking provided a funding package to support the construction of the new site.

Tom Lloyd- Jones, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking said the new stadium would be a “welcome addition to the thriving North Swindon community.”

“Its international, national, local and community reach will bring enjoyment to many and help maintain the name of Swindon around the world. Its youth training facilities will help train the safe drivers and riders of the future.

“We have successfully weathered the storms of the financial crisis together and being here today, breaking ground on this major product is an example of a successful partnership between Lloyds Bank and our business customers.”

 

Mr Osborne explained that the existing facility will continue to function - hosting greyhound racing, speedway events and acting as a market venue - while building work is underway.

 

The first phase of building is due to be finished in May 2017 and it is expected that greyhound racing, speedway racing and the Blunsdon Market will transfer to the new building in June 2017.

Phase 2 of the project – the demolition of the existing stadium and the provision of new car parks and entrance road – will be complete by September 2017.

The modular steel framed buildings for the stadium will be constructed off site by Wernicks, a firm based in Wales. The sections will then be transported by road and rapidly assembled at the site to minimise disruption to nearby residents.

 

Extensive plans have been made to provide for ‘business as usual’ during the construction and the stadium promoters of greyhound racing, speedway and the market will be maintained without interruption.