End could be nigh for go-kart track

A POPULAR Birmingham go karting race track could be replaced with factories under a plan to go before councillors next week.

The Wheels Park in Bordesley Green has been hosting off-road activities including go karting, roller skating, motorcycling and banger racing for decades.

But now the council-owned site will be officially set aside for industrial development under the new Bordesley Park Area Action plan.

It sets out the development of the area over the next 13 years and earmarks sites for 750 new homes and the creation of 3,000 new jobs as well as proposals to boost local shopping areas.

A key area for growth is the 40acre Wheels site, off Garrison Lane, which has a 400-metre oval stock car racing track as well as several smaller tracks. It was set up in the 1970s on a contaminated former landfill site to provide constructive activities for local youngsters and is still home to several thriving wheels-related businesses.

But it is understood they are on short-term rolling leases and could be evicted if an industrial developer comes forward with investment.

The Wheels Park firms, who have been warned their long-term future is at risk for several years, are looking at the proposals carefully and are not willing to comment at this stage.