STUDLEY GRANGE MOTORSPORTS HUB
Background
The Abbey Stadium in Blunsdon St Andrews, Swindon has been the home of the Swindon Robins since its opening in 1949 and has entertained and thrilled generations of speedway fans throughout its seven decades of operation. But times have changed, and serious challenges now face the long-term viability of speedway racing in the UK.
Speedway racing as a single activity promotion is no longer viable and any intensification of motorsports activity beyond the permitted 20 occasions per year is not possible as residential housing now surrounds the old stadium. Similarly, the financial and supporter dynamics have substantially declined with an increase in televised motorsport, declining interest from young people, and trends towards infrequent large event-lead activity.
Environmental considerations, such as noise and air pollution, are also a factor, with the Abbey Stadium now surrounded by residential development, posing an unacceptable impact on the living environment of neighbouring residents.
Prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Speedway promotion was making a loss each season and consequently investment in the site was not forthcoming.
With the Abbey Stadium site no longer financially viable and unable to increase motorsports activity, it was decided to announce the permanent end of speedway racing at the site in autumn 2022.
But that is not the end of the story.
A New Beginning
A joint venture between Swindon Speedway and Gaming International, Swindon Motorsports was formed in autumn 2022 with the core objective of identifying and securing a new site for motorsports to ensure a sustainable future for speedway.
Single motorsports events are longer financially sustainable when run in isolation, however, when combined with other events and activities, there is a strong commercial foundation for success.
In November 2022, we issued a ‘call for sites’, asking speedway fans and interested parties to submit suggestions for a new site within a 45-minute drive of central Swindon. We were overwhelmed by the number of responses we received, and in February 2023, appointed Savills, one of the UK’s foremost property agents, to lead the process of formally reviewing potential sites. This led us to identify the Studley Grange site.
In November 2023, following positive discussions with the landowner, we announced that a new site had been identified. Since then, we have engaged with officers and councillors at Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council to establish a pathway for success.
And finally, in August 2024, after many months of design and site appraisal, we commenced formal pre-application discussions with Wiltshire Council, marking a significant milestone in the pathway to submitting a full planning application later this year.
About The New Site
After an extensive search process, we have now identified and secured a suitable new site for the construction of a motorsports hub (see below). The new site is located at Studley Grange, Cancourt, just outside of Royal Wootton Bassett and less than a 15 minutes’ drive from central Swindon, with easy access from Junction 16 of the M4.
The Studley Grange Motorsports Hub will consist of a speedway oval, karting track, and motorsport leisure development, along with associated garages, storage and car parking infrastructure. The new site will have an expandable capacity of up to 5,000 spectators.
We will soon submit a planning application to Wiltshire Council following a period of engagement and consultation with members of the community, councillors, and interested parties.
For all the latest updates on the new site and the status of the planning application, keep an eye for updates on the project website and the ‘Latest News’ tab.
Site Location
The new site is located at Studley Grange, Cancourt, 3.3miles south-west of Swindon, 2.3miles south-east of Royal Wootton Bassett and south of Junction 16 of the M4.
In drive times the site is 16 minutes from the former
Abbey Stadium, 15 minutes from Swindon Centre and 3 minutes from Junction 16 of the M4.
The proposed development is situated within the administrative boundaries of Wiltshire Council.
What will the Hub include?
The Studley Grange Motorsports Hub will include the following provisions:
- A speedway oval to host speedway racing, training and serve as
- the home track of the Swindon Robins;
- A tarmac oval capable of hosting racing, training and self-drive of
- 4-wheel vehicles;
- A competition grade karting track;
- A multi-use events arena;
- Associated garages and storage to support on-site repairs;
- Car parking spaces, including EV charging points; and
- Facilities for refreshments and entertainment.
About the Planning Process
The proposals will be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) meaning that it will be for Wiltshire Council as the Local Planning Authority to decide whether our planning application receives planning consent.
Prior to the submission of a planning application, we will consult with local residents, councillors at Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, Parish Councils, and interested parties.
We anticipate a decision from Wiltshire Council in 2025.