DOG TRACK UNDER THREAT
DEVELOPER CONFIRMS PLANS FOR 240 HOMES ON SITE OF HISTORIC STADIUM IN BELLE VUE
MANCHESTER’S historic dog track Belle Vue is under potential threat after plans to build 243 homes on the site were drawn up, the M.E.N. can reveal.
The venue on Kirksmanhulme Lane in Gorton dates back to 1926 and was the first purpose-built greyhound racing stadium in the country.
Interest in the sport has dwindled in recent decades, with consistent criticism from animal rights campaigners about welfare.
But almost 100 years after it opened, Belle Vue continues to run paid-for race meetings every Saturday night and free meets on Wednesday and Sunday mornings.
The stadium is also home to Startrax Stockcar Racing.
Now the home of those sports in Manchester could face the threat of closure after a developer confirmed plans to turn the site into housing.
A spokesman for Countryside Properties said: “Countryside is currently preparing proposals for the development of circa 240 new family homes at the Belle Vue Stadium site at Kirkmanshulme Lane.
“Current proposals comprise green landscaping and housing across a variety of tenures.
“Our planning team has notified local residents, councillors and stakeholders of the proposed development ahead of submitting a planning application to Manchester council.” The stadium is currently owned by Crown Oil Pensions Fund which bought it in 2014 for £2.5m. The deal included an agreement to lease it back to the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA), which in turn sublets it to Startrax Stockcars. When contacted yesterday, Andrew Greensmith, a director at Bury-based business Crown Oil, said there was currently no deal in place to sell – but did not rule it out as a possibility. “I think we’ve always been happy with the rent and what’s going on [at Belle Vue],” he said. “I’m not too sure what’s going on.” Asked if a deal had been agreed to sell, he added: “Not as far as I know.” The M.E.N. has also approached Crown Oil’s marketing team for a statement. Countryside Properties does not have to own the Belle Vue site to submit a planning application and get approval. It is understood the GRA is currently in negotiations over its current lease. The M.E.N. was unable to reach anyone from GRA for comment on the housing plans. But director Clive Feltham told the Greyhound Star on Tuesday: “We were expecting at some time a planning application from the freeholder to ascertain value.
“As it is a pension fund it must be seen to maximise value from its portfolio.
“The question is if it will be successful. Our lease can only be determined if they have a full development planning permission.”
General manager Mick Hardy added: “We have heard nothing but will be informed, as is legally required, if and when an application has been made.”
It is understood that greyhound bosses remain ‘committed’ to the future of racing at Belle Vue.
Steve Rees, promoter of Startrax Stockcar Racing, said he expected to complete the 2018 season, which ends in December, and that he is considering whether to fight the housing proposals. We would be disappointed [if Belle Vue was sold for housing],” he told the M.E.N.
“Greyhound racing and stock car racing have a very long history at Belle Vue. It’s an iconic stadium.”
While it has been known of serious interest from housing developers in Belle Vue since earlier this year, it is understood the tenants were surprised by a leaflet from Countryside Properties which has been handed out in the area this week.