Council to Consider Petition Regarding Speedway Stadium Development

A petition advocating for the continuation of work on a speedway stadium is slated for potential consideration at an upcoming full council meeting. The Swindon Robins ceased participation in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, effective January 2021, citing stadium-related uncertainties as the reason. The Abbey Stadium was designated for renovation to comply with regulatory standards, integrated within a housing development project; however, the process has been marked by multiple delays. The petition urges Swindon Borough Council to compel Gaming International, the stadium’s owners, to undertake the redevelopment of Abbey Stadium, asserting that there has been “no meaningful progress”. During 2022, the Robins declared their decision not to return to the Abbey Stadium, which had served as their home venue for 73 years. This past August, the council determined that Taylor Wimpey, the developer of Robin Gardens, had not violated planning regulations by commencing home construction prior to the complete redevelopment of the stadium. According to a council review, Gaming International, the proprietor of Abbey Stadium, has “met the minimums required through the granted planning permission to date, but nothing more.” The petition, which has garnered over 2,200 signatures, advocates for the council to mandate that Gaming International complete the proposed plans. Concurrently, Swindon Motorsports, the previous owners of Swindon Speedway, have expressed their intention to construct a new facility at Studley Grange, situated between Wroughton and Royal Wootton Bassett. Terry Russell, director of Swindon Motorsports, stated in August that he had “been eager to get this site announced for a long time.” This new facility is intended to serve as the home track for the Swindon Robins.