Last chance to have say on speedway stadium plans

Swindon has been without live speedway meetings since 2019

Residents are being urged to have their say on the final day of a consultation into a proposed new speedway stadium on the outskirts of Swindon.

Swindon Motorsports Ltd wants to build a 330m (about 1,083ft) speedway arena with hospitality buildings and a karting circuit on land south of junction 16 of the M4.

Despite local concerns over increased noise and traffic in the area, the company says it is the "best, and final chance" to secure the future of speedway in the town.

The public consultation has received almost 500 responses so far. A final decision on the proposal is not expected until the end of the year.

For more than 70 years, speedway was hosted at the town's Abbey Stadium but in 2020 it was stopped leaving the Swindon Robins unable to compete.

If approved, the Studley Grange Motorsports Hub would "serve as the home" of the Swindon Robins.

Some local residents are concerned the site is "too close" to North Wiltshire Crematorium and the "extremely noisy" sport would not only "destroy the peacefulness of the gardens of remembrance" but "cause untold stress" to nearby livestock.

Others are worried local roads would not be able to cope with the increased volume of traffic.

The application includes a 330m (about 1,083ft) speedway arena

But Terry Russell, chairman of Swindon Motorsports Ltd and Swindon Speedway, said they could not "afford to lose this once-in-a-generation opportunity" and urged "all Robins supporters to back" the application.

"This planning application represents the best, and final, chance of securing a sustainable future for speedway racing in Swindon," he said.

"Swindon Speedway is now in the last chance saloon and if we are unsuccessful in securing Studley Grange, the long history of speedway in Swindon, and the wider South West, will come to a permanent end."

Full-time jobs

Along with the stadium, the proposed development would include meeting spaces, business units and an observation area.

There are also proposals for more than 200 permanent parking spaces, with overflow capacity for more 500 vehicles at large events, alongside coach parking and a drop-off point.

Swindon Motorsports Ltd also said the overall development could create up to 56 full-time jobs.

A decision on the planning application is expected by the end of the year and if approved, construction will begin in early 2026.