Belle Vue's dream of a new £6m dream home, revealed exclusively by MEN Sport in March, are still on track.
It was speedway's best kept secret when the story broke that talks had been in process for two years for the Autogate Aces to move to the Council owned hockey facility next door to their current home at the Belle Vue greyhound stadium.
Fans bombarded Manchester City Council in support of the scheme while this website had a massive number of hits in reaction to the story.
Aces' chief David Gordon confirmed that talks were in progress with the Council and the New East Manchester authority who are driving the massive regeneration of the area.
However, there has been no further news since for impatient fans but, while he has been unable to give any detail, Gordon gave a broad statement saying that talks on the project are progressing.
He said: “The discussions with the official bodies concerned about the new stadium are still ongoing and are very meaningful.
“Local politicians and councillors remain very positive about this scheme happening. Everyone is extremely supportive.
“There are many things going on at the moment and we are all working very hard to bring this to fruition. I wish it was possible to say more but, like us, everyone will have to continue to be patient.”
A spokesperson for New East Manchester, the body behind the massive Eastlands development, told MEN Sport when the story broke: “Some discussions have taken place and there are a number of options being considered, all of which need to be thoroughly evaluated.”
The initial capacity was planned at just over 7,000, with 2,600 people seated in a covered main stand to watch racing on a state-of-the-art 340-metre track.
However, the capacity could be increased to 16,000 to cater for international events which would put the new stadium right in line for major World class events, such as the World Team Cup, run by the International Motor Federation.
Belle Vue bosses want to include a youth academy at the development but the new stadium would have multiple uses as sports such as hockey and soccer could use the centre green.
There has been interest from other boroughs in housing the Aces, the oldest club side in the world, but there is a strong local desire to keep Belle Vue where it belongs – in Belle Vue.
What do you think? Have your say.
Comments
Login or Register to comment
When you broke this story in March it caused a great deal of interest and indeed your website comments section was filled with enthusiastic comments all 100% in favour.
At that time many of us wrote to Manchester Council, to Mr Leese and Councillor Amesbury, and also to Eddie Smith at New East Manchester.
Messers Amesbury and Smith replied to us all and said that talks were on-going and a decision made early summer.
We're now in summer, so it's quite disappointing that whilst you've got a new quote from David Gordon saying that things are progressing, there is no new quote from Manchester Council or New East Manchester...you are only re-quoting them from March.
Can't you give us an update on the position of MCC and NEM?
Mr Smith and Councillor Amesbury promised a further update in early summer..so where is it?
Let's get this thing moving. Belle Vue are in desperate need of a new home. A quick decision could make this happen for 2011.
Like many other Aces fans, I think the move from the greyhound stadium cannot come fast enough. The team cannot attract riders because of the dreadful track,and the fans of the future, the children cannot watch the racing because of the appaling viewing. The facilities are terrible, and attract many disparaging comments from visitors to the city. This is no way to project the City of Manchester. Please act sooner, rather than later.
I would want The Aces to have a new Home as soon as possible.The Venue at the Moment is terrible to say the least.Viewing is a Joke.Atmosphere Nil.
Ivan Mauger will soon be in Town.He Plans 2 Visits to Belle Vue.
I am just happy to hear any news,as reported in the MEN about the stadium.As long as its good that is.
I think the stadium is needed not only for us Aces fans but for the area and to some extent british speedway. The new stadium would create new jobs and if were given a World Cup event we would have fans from all over come here and know that Manchester Speedway is back ,not only in britain but the world too! Let`s pray it happens. As we have the backing for once of all Speedway fans throughout the entire country and speedway countries too!
Ivan Mauger will soon be in Town.He Plans 2 Visits to Belle Vue
WHO?????
[quote name=Kit Kat Kid , Manchester ]Ivan Mauger will soon be in Town.He Plans 2 Visits to Belle Vue
WHO?????[/quote]
So you don't know or are to young to know who Ivan is,he is the SIX times world speedway champion,and an ex Aces rider.
If we do get the stadium we could possibly have a european grand prix,that would be great for Manchester,and British speedway.
These things can seem to take forever, so it's heartening to hear that work is still going on behind the scenes, when the fear for most people must have been that the huge cuts in public spending and the likelihood of deepening economic crisis would result in funding for the project evaporating.
I do sincerely hope that within the estimated £6m costs a sum is allotted to employ those involved in the track construction at the new speedway stadium in Torun, Poland.
As many saw on Sky this past weekend with their screening of the latest round in the Speedway Grand Prix series, their track lived up to all the rave reviews and provided fantastic racing and entertainment for millions around the globe.
No expense must be spared when it comes to the actual racing surface. I'm sure the first meeting will attract many curious newcomers and we don't want them to be one time attendees.
Torun without the holes please, though.
Let's get it on as soon as possible. The present "stadium" is a disgrace . Manchester owes it to the Aces, who have kept the speedway flag proudly flying for so many years.
oh thank goodness, i thought it had died a death, not heard anything about it for so long. Belle Vue cannot move to another borough it would be wrong its always been in East Manchester and always should be. Do you think they are keeping in quiet because they are having talks about going back to the original site seen as the car auction place has been shut down for two years and are wanting to redevelop the area......how cool would that be. Bring the Aces Home......,
It is a bit ironic that the car auction place has been closed,because as we all know Belle Vue was located on that very site.On the question of redevelopment of the auction site i think this would be a no no in the current climate of public spending cuts,although it would be almost certain that some time in the future it will be redeveloped.It would be awesome if Belle Vue were to be given the chance to relocate to Hyde Rd,but lets just be thankful that the current plans are still on track and we call upon MCC to do the right thing.Namely ticking all the boxes and instilling the world famous Belle Vue Speedway back where they can thrive and prosper and not just tread water,as we are doing now.