Campaigners launch fight to save Belle Vue Stadium
Workers and supporters are petitioning to save the Belle Vue stadium which is under threat of being demolished to make space for nearly 250 homes.
Last updated 11th Jan 2019
The stadium on Kirkmanshulme Lane, Gorton opened in 1926 as a greyhound racing track but has since adopted other forms of entertainment including stock car racing and hosts courses in motorcycle training.
Petitioners are running a petition to try and stop developer Countryside Properties and SCP Investments Ltd’s plan to demolish the building and turn the site into 234 homes.
Ambassador Charles Thompson, who has worked at stadium for over 60 years, said:
“It’s devastating, when you consider we lost the zoo across the road, we lost the speedway that was over the road so why can’t the dog track stay here.
“Belle Vue is still the best supported track in the country.”
Annually the Stadium attracts upwards of 150,000 visitors and it is a major part of Gorton’s history.
However, popularity for the sport has dropped over the years with critics raising concerns around animal welfare.
Planning permission has been submitted however a final decision has not yet been made.
Those behind the plans believe it could inject a new lease of life into the community.
Graeme Hogg, chief operating officer at Sigma, provider of private rented sector housing, said:
“We are delighted to see this application being submitted after a positive and collaborative pre-application process.
“The mix of house types and tenures will provide customers with a choice not currently available in Gorton and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investment in private rented homes in Manchester.”
The petition has been launched through change.org to try and save the stadium which is available here.