Greyhound stadium to shut doors for good after 90 years
ONE of the Midlands’ best-known dog tracks is to close within days.
Hall Green Greyhound Racing Stadium ceases business on July 29 – only days before what would have been its 90th anniversary.
The sporting facility will be bulldozed to make way for more than 200 homes and a hotel.
Birmingham Council planning chiefs approved the scheme last July but it had been hoped the stadium would survive until August 18.
News of the closure has raised fears from The Greyhound Trust, of a spike in the number of racing dogs needing homes in retirement.
“Our branches are working across the country day in, day out to help as many greyhounds as we can,” said chief executive Lisa Morris-Tomkins. “We aim to find them a loving and responsible home of their own. From fundraising and awareness activities, hands-on caring for greyhounds and assisting them in making the transition from athlete to couch potato, there is a huge amount to do.”
Close to 5,000 people signed a petition in a bid to save Birmingham’s first-ever greyhound stadium, which was built on the site of Olympia Sports Ground and opened on August 24, 1927. On that night, 20,000 crowded into the new facility.
Between 1928 and 1938, Hall Green also hosted speedway meets.
Despite the campaign, stadium operators GRA announced: “We are sad to announce that, due to financial circumstances, Hall Green will close for business after the race meeting on Saturday, July 29.
“Since our landlord has applied for, and been successful in obtaining, planning consent for housing, attendances have been significantly affected. The landlord has also confirmed that he will be exercising the break clause in the lease.
“Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Service has also been concerned with the uncertainty and has decided to relocate the fixtures to Perry Barr.
“With these significant changes, we have no option but to take the decision to cease business.”
Stephen Rea, head of campaign group Save Our Hall Green, said: “Hall Green is one of the best stadiums in the country and it would be a crying shame to lose it.”
Meanwhile, The Greyhound Trust fears the closure will further stretch its resources.
Ms Morris-Tomkins. said: “The Greyhound Trust currently operates five branches across the West Midlands and will be working closely with the owners and trainers to support the transition of any greyhounds retiring, but to achieve this we need more help.
“The Trust urgently needs more support to ensure that we can provide bright futures and loving forever homes for the retired racing greyhounds of Hall Green stadium.”
Nationally, the Trust homes 4,000 greyhounds each year.