Options explored over disused speedway stadium

Efforts are under way to investigate what would be needed to support the return of speedway racing to the now-closed Brandon Stadium.

The track in Binley Woods closed in 2016 after almost 90 years of motorsport activity and has remained empty ever since.

Proposals to redevelop the site for housing were refused by a government planning inspector in 2024, with Rugby Borough Council stating the site was to be retained for the use of speedway, stock cars and other motorsport activities.

Council cabinet member Sam Edwards said: "Brandon Stadium is an important sporting venue with a proud history and many people want to see racing return to the site."

Brandon Stadium, also known as Coventry Stadium, was the home of Coventry Bees speedway team from 1929 and saw the team win the national speedway league eight times before the team folded in 2016.

The borough council has maintained that the site should be used for speedway and stock car racing and not be redeveloped for housing, even though racing ended in 2016.

The latest move will examine whether there is a "realistic, lawful and financially sustainable route" that would see motorsport return to the stadium after a 10-year absence.

That could include the authority making a compulsory purchase of the area, although Edwards said "we are not making a final decision on acquisition, compulsory purchase or future operation of the site".

He added: "However, we are taking the next practical steps to ensure that, if there is a viable opportunity to bring Brandon Stadium back into use, the council is in the best possible position to consider it."

The latest move by Rugby Borough Council is being welcomed by Jeff Davies, chairman of campaign group Save Coventry Speedway and Stocks.

"What they've said is consistent with the emerging local plan, to use the stadium as a speedway and stock car venue. It's also consistent with the [planning] inspector's decision when she rejected the appeal [in 2024] by Brandon Estates for refusal of their planning application."

That proposal would have seen 124 homes built on the site, but had been rejected by councillors despite a recommendation for approval from officers.

"The council would partner with another group and that group would then take over the ownership and running of the stadium," said Davies.

"So it's not council money, it's not taxpayers' money that buys the stadium and what they're doing is going through this process to establish which groups might be interested in being a partner, should it be necessary."

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