The future of Coventry Stadium, Brandon

Potentially good news!

It's encouraging news, Dreamtime, but a long way to go and many obstacles to overcome More details

Sadly, it would appear that they are in a bit of a "catch 22" situation as the site that has been located is on green belt land. Apparently sports facilities can be built on "green belt" land, but only if the organisers can "show a local need". Unfortunately, until the present stadium is demolished there isn't perceived to be a local need! However, once the old stadium is knocked down, and there is then a need, backers might well have moved on resulting in an opportunity missed. Although not a follower of this activity, I really do hope they can find a solution to this issue. From what I heard on the radio yesterday this proposed "eco" stadium would be something to behold.

From Bees website

Plenty of positive action been taking place behind the scenes, and now this SAVE COVENTRY SPEEDWAY Brandon Stadium: Notice of Meeting 26 May 2016 We feel it is time to hold another public meeting on the proposed redevelopment of Brandon Stadium and we hope to attract a heathy turnout from the speedway and stock car fraternity as well as local residents. There is lot to catch up on such as the representations we made to the Rugby Local Plan, the potential new stadium proposals, arrangements for the 2017 season, the application made to designate the existing stadium as an asset of community value (ACV). A draft agenda is set out below and if anyone has suggestions to add or amend this please let us know. We hope to see as many of you as possible there but please remember this meeting like our first meeting last July isn't a protest meeting - it is a constructive forum for keeping the fans in touch with what is planned for the future at Brandon and for speedway and stock car racing. Meeting: Save Brandon Stadium, 7.30 to 10pm, Thursday 26 May 2016 Location: Scarman House Lecture Theatre Scarman House Conference Centre University of Warwick CV4 7SH and Conference Park: CV4 7AL This postcode will direct you to Gibbet Hill Road, the main road through the University. When you reach the campus, you'll find signposts for Radcliffe, Scarman and Conference Park (signed Central Campus). Draft Agenda 1. Welcome and introductions. 2. Recap: what has happened to date. 3. Contributions and updates will be invited from Jeremy Heaver (Stadium Manager and Coventry Motofest), Mick Horton (Coventry Speedway), Rugby Borough Council and Binley Woods, Brandon & Bretford Parish Councils and Frampton's. 5. Q&A and open discussion. 6. Summary of key action points.

Telegraph report following last night's meeting

Minutes of the above meeting can be seen here (courtesy, Coventry Bees website)

Comments from Mark Pawsey MP in Coventry Observer

Another year at Brandon for speedway and stock-cars (and maybe more!)

Reaction from Bees promoter Mick Horton

Coventry Speedway are pleased to confirm positive talks have been held with regards to future motorsport at Brandon. Bees owner Mick Horton met with Coventry Racing Club chief Avtar Sandhu this week to reach agreement on the way forward for both speedway and stock car racing at the stadium next year. As previously reported, the sale of the stadium and the new lease arrangements will lead to certain operational changes, but there is a common desire to make matters work for all concerned - with the ultimate aim of securing a new stadium for both sports. Horton said: "It's good news for everyone. Sandhu and I have spoken in detail over arrangements for 2017, and we've come to an agreement. "We both agree that we need to work together, for both speedway and stock car fans, and our goal over the next three years is to work towards a new home. With the support of Rugby Borough Council, that's our objective. "I want to hold some kind of Forum in the near future to outline my plans, but the good news is that both ourselves and Coventry Racing Club are happy to work together, and arrangements have been made that suit both parties. "We can now look at this as a joint venture, a partnership, which will enable us all to go forward, and there's a real desire to make it work. It's no good for speedway and no good for stox for us to fall out. If that happens, there's no future. "The lease will remain with Coventry Speedway, we have a working arrangement with Coventry Racing Club, and I'd like to add my personal thanks to them. "It was also obvious from talking to Sandhu that he still has deep affection for the Bees, and he's desperate to see Coventry get back to the top.' Speedway resumes at Brandon next Saturday (October 8) with the prestigious Elite League Riders' Championship, and the club are also working on dates for their remaining National League fixtures against Stoke and Rye House.

BELOW is a press release issued by Brandon Estates Ltd on November 3, 2016: Coventry Bees have signed a new lease on Brandon Stadium, following discussions earlier this year coordinated by Rugby Borough Council. The Coventry Bees speedway team had been facing their last season at the stadium after it had been sold for development. But after Cllr Michael Stokes, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, opened talks between the Bees and Agents acting for the new landowners, Brandon Estates Ltd, the Bees have signed a new lease to allow the team to continue competing next season while they search for a new long-term venue. Brandon Estates has also agreed to sponsor the Bees next season. The new lease runs for one year from 1 January 2017 until October 2017, with the possibility of a further two years, subject to conditions. The lease would allow Coventry Bees and junior race meetings. Additional events would be subject to individual agreement. Darren English, spokesman for the stadium owners, Brandon Estates Ltd, said: "After concluding our discussions and negotiations we very pleased that the Bees will continue at Brandon until October 2017 with the possibility of a further two years, subject to the long-term redevelopment of the site being settled. "This will give the Bees security for the next 12 months, and possibly longer, allowing the team more time to find an alternative venue. We are also delighted to be sponsoring the Bees next season. "I would like to thank the Council for playing such a key role in these discussions and helping to broker an agreement that takes all parties forward in a positive and practical way." Cllr Michael Stokes, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: "It is clear that the situation the Bees and the other stadium users find themselves in is not ideal, but the lease that has been offered to them is a good compromise that will allow speedway and stock car racing to continue at Brandon for at least another year. "After meeting fans groups earlier this year and hearing their concerns first hand, I am delighted to have been able to bring all of the interested parties together to allow an offer to be made." Mick Horton of Coventry Speedway, said: "We have signed the new lease to give the speedway team security for the next year at least, while we continue to investigate the options for the team's long-term future. We would like to thank the new owners for offering us the new lease and new sponsorship money, which will certainly help our finances over the next 12 months. "We hope that all our fans will join me in thanking the Council and the new owners now that we will have another full season at Brandon Stadium in 2017."

Rumours abound here and on other sites that all is NOT well regarding the future of Coventry Stadium and the speedway and stock car racing It is suggested that more will be known on Monday - it may all be a false alarm created by some adding two and two together and getting the wrong answer, but . . . so far there has been no official comment either way