A request that this article title be changedto Abbey Stadium, Swindon is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed.
Since July 2006, there have been numerous proposals to demolish or redevelop the site into a mixed-use facility, with more significant developments in the late 2010s regarding housing developments.[5] The stadium hosted its final speedway racing event at the end of the season on 17 October 2019, and the Swindon Robbins did not compete in future seasons due to uncertainty surrounding the stadium's future.[6]
The stadium is due to host its final greyhound racing event on 27 December 2025 behind closed doors, and is planned for demolition in early 2026.[7] The stadium's owners acknowledged there had been a significant decline in visitor numbers, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]
History
Abbey Stadium c.1980
Abbey Stadium opened to the public on 23 July 1949 when it hosted the Swindon Robins speedway team; greyhound racing followed three years later on 1 November 1952.[9] Initially, the greyhound racing was independent (unlicensed), with 2,000 people attending to watch a greyhound called Don't Care win a 324-yard race in a time of 19.02 secs at odds of 6–1.[9][10]
Swindon had two earlier short-lived greyhound track venues, in the village of Wroughton and near the town centre in Edinburgh Street, but both had disappeared by the mid-thirties.[11] The stadium occupied a rural setting south of Lady Lane and was named after the Blunsdon Abbey estate in Blunsdon St Andrew, a Victorian estate which had seen its main house destroyed by fire in 1904.[12]
The stadium was later acquired by the Bristol Greyhound Racing Association, owners of Oxford and Eastville (Bristol) stadiums. This led to the track becoming part of the National Greyhound Racing Club during April 1968. The Silver Plume competition arrived in the same year, as the track's principal event.[13] Another independent track to the northwest of Swindon opened during the sixties at Common Platt but had little effect on the business of its larger neighbour.[14]
In 1983, ADT (British Car Auctions) acquired the stadium and used its large car park as a base for their sales. Other competitions at the track were the Grand National of the West, Pride of the West and the Jubilee Stakes.[15] In 1997, Gaming International (then The BS Group) sold their Eastville stadium and bought Swindon from ADT. The entire Bristol operation including the racing office, bookmakers, trainers, the Western Two Year Old Produce Stakes and the BAGS contract transferred to Swindon.[16]
In 2008, due to the closure of Walthamstow stadium, Abbey Stadium hosted the Arc competition. In 2018, the stadium signed a deal with Arena Racing Company to hold weekly matinée meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.[17] In 2018, the Arc competition was discontinued due to expected track changes, but following the sudden closure of Towcester Greyhound Stadium, leading owner John Turner stepped in to save the Oaks with a late scheduling in December.[18]
The stadium signed a new media rights five-year contract extension with Arena Racing Company to run from January 2025.[19]
Renovation (2006–2025)
In July 2006, landowners Gaming International announced that they wished to demolish the stadium, and transform the site into a business park, but would work to find a new home for the Swindon Robins. The announcement triggered a petition with over 2,000 signatories to save the Speedway events. Clarke Osborne, chief executive of Gaming International, argued that there was not enough support to keep Speedway events commercially viable, and pointed to noise complaints from local residents.[20]
In May 2007, following the Save Our Robins campaign, Gaming International proposed a new purpose-built stadium for Speedway and Greyhound racing, as well as a new business park, covered market, and 450 homes, using disused land towards the back of the stadium.[21] In February 2008, councillors approved plans for the new stadium.[22] In May 2008, planning inspectors approved plans for the new stadium.[23] In September 2008, the plans for the new stadium were approved, but halted due to the Great Recession. In November 2010, the plans were given the green light again.[24] In August 2011, outline planning permission was granted again.[25] In March 2013, the plans were proposed to the public at an exhibition.[26] In December 2013, permission was granted to build 66 homes on disused ground at the stadium, in the hope these would kickstart plans for the new stadium.[27] In March 2015, plans for a new stadium were renewed.[28]
In November 2016, housing development plans on disused grounds went ahead. but the stadium redevelopment plans were delayed.[29][30] In June 2019, the original plans to reposition the stadium and track were scrapped, and the track was reduced in circumference from 463 metres by creating two new bends inside the old circumference, making way for housing; and as a consequence the 509-metre distance was also scrapped.[31] The planning authority disallowed any further housing additions until progress was made with renovating the stadium.[32] The stadium and track remained in its original position with plans to install prefabricated buildings in place of the existing buildings, instead of a new-built stadium as originally promised.[31][33] The stadium hosted its final speedway racing event at the end of the season on 17 October 2019, and the Swindon Robbins did not compete in future seasons due to uncertainty surrounding the stadium's redevelopment plans.[34][3] The development plans were largely halted throughout 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however a new pre-fabricated seating stand was constructed during this time.[35]
In June 2022, builders Taylor Wimpey were granted permission to build 127 homes in the stadium's car park.[36] In December 2022, a stand-off occurred between Gaming International, Swindon Borough Council and Taylor Wimpey over perimeters and expected redevelopment. Clarke Osborne of Gaming International issued a press release, stating that it wanted to instead relocate the stadium entirely, seeking a new ground to host a 5,000-capacity stadium to host speedway, karting and car racing.[37] However, the industry remained sceptical as similar statements had been issued in prior years by Gaming International for Milton Keynes Greyhound Stadium, Poole Stadium, Reading Stadium and Eastville Stadium.[38][39][38] In March 2024, an application to remove the requirements for the site to host Speedway and greyhound racing events was presented.[40] In September 2024, the Swindon Needs Speedway group was launched and created a petition to attempt to save Speedway events at the grounds. At the same time, Gaming International speculated that a new stadium could be built near Royal Wootton Bassett.[41]
Impending closure and demolition (2025)
In March 2025, Gaming International announced that the stadium would host its final greyhound racing event at the end of the year and that the stadium would be demolished, with Clarke Osbourne highlighting mounting costs and declining attendances.[42] In April 2025, Gaming International and Legal & General proposed a new housing development to sit on the footprint of the Abbey Stadium.[43] In September 2025, Gaming International's new division, Swindon Motorsports Ltd, urged residents to have their say on a consultation into a proposed new Speedway stadium on the outskirts of Swindon.[44]
The Abbey Stadium is due to host its final greyhound racing event on 27 December 2025 behind closed doors, and is planned for demolition in early 2026.[7]
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