Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium battling for survival
As if the greyhound racing sport had not gone through much already, their last and one of the most significant racing stadiums is about to be demolished. If not stopped soon, the stadium will make into the list of many of those sites (even outside London),
that have already been made non-operational, and have been set-up with different facilities.
This time Wimbledon Stadium has been put up for shooting down, not only will it get replaced by a housing and a multiplex cinema, but it will also bring to an end the eighty-year association of the sport with the site.
The proposal is still on hold, but as soon as it gets submitted, it will entail that the oldest greyhound racing track in UK will be brought to an end like many before, and sadly it even stands true for many to come.
The stadium used to host one of the most important events, from the attendance and betting perspective, the Derby.
The authorities who have to give the green signal really do not seem to be concerned about the future of the sport, and where the attached trainers will and hounds end up.
The proposed plan includes an apartment building with 798 apartments, and also features a multi-screen cinema.
The leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said:
“The council done everything it can to bring the club back to Merton.
"We have specifically made the plough lane site an area for sports intensification. Any development would have to go along with that.”
The downright precision of the development plan includes apartments with different accommodation options, and they will include houses on the north-west side which will be available at more feasible terms. The developers have also planned a two-floor metal
encased building that will include five cinema screens, a restaurant and a bar.
The parking space will provide the facility will easily accommodate 775 cars, and will be used for residential and commercial use alike.
The rebuttal by the greyhound fans has come across in the form of:
They said: “If the scheme was viable then I am sure the club would be interested in looking at it.”
How will the negotiations turn-up, will become soon.
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