Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2008 13:38:23 GMT
From the third page of yesterday's Leicester Mockery,
Ambitious plans to bring the thrills and spills of speedway back to the city are being considered by council bosses.
Beaumont Leys would become the home for a purpose-built track, plus 12 five-a-side football pitches, an Olympic-standard BMX track and a cycling velodrome, if the project is approved.
The move would mean Leicester Lions speedway club could return home after 25 years.
The BMX track and velodrome could be used for cycling events in the 2009 Special Olympics. There would also be an education centre for people with learning disabilities.
British Cycling, the sport's governing body, would move its regional headquarters to Beaumont Leys.
Coun Andy Connelly, the council's spokesman for culture, has met Beaumont Sports Consortium to discuss the proposals.
The council has now agreed to look at the scheme, and the cabinet will consider a more detailed plan for the project, at the back of Beaumont Leys leisure centre, later this year.
Coun Connelly said: "This is an exciting development for the city, which will bring real benefits to the area. However, it will not be delivered overnight and a number of obstacles need to be overcome.
"We shall continue to listen to the views of local people as these proposals are developed."
Ken Naylor, chairman of Leicester Speedway Supporters' Club, said he was hopeful the stadium would be ready for the 2010 season.
He said: "We're very pleased. We're happy with what's happening at the moment. It's going to plan and we're quite confident. The council seems to be happy and, hopefully, they'll be happy with the final plans."
The consortium has yet to submit a planning application for the proposal, and architects are still drawing up more detailed plans.
David Hemsley, of S &P Architects, the consultants leading the project, said: "This is a very exciting and unique opportunity for the local community and for the city.
"If our plans go ahead it will provide facilities for the city now, and a legacy for future generations.
"It could be a catalyst for activity in Beaumont Park and mark the return of Leicester Lions speedway club to the city."
Speedway was popular in Leicester for much of the last century at a stadium in Blackbird Road.
By the late 1950s, the sport's popularity had begun to wane and the track closed in 1963.
However, when it reopened five years later, it drew a crowd of 11,000 for the first night.
The sport was still popular in the 1970s, but in 1983 the stadium owners sold the site to house builders.
Developers say motor bike noise has been reduced substantially in the past 20 years and is up to 90 per cent quieter than when speedway was staged at Blackbird Road.
Leicester West MP Patricia Hewitt said: "These facilities will be of great benefit to my constituents.
"However, I know from meeting with local residents that there are concerns about impact of the speedway track and that is why I am working very closely with the council and the developers to ensure we get the best possible outcome."
Ms Hewitt, who chaired a public meeting on the plans last year, will hold another consultation this year.
Ambitious plans to bring the thrills and spills of speedway back to the city are being considered by council bosses.
Beaumont Leys would become the home for a purpose-built track, plus 12 five-a-side football pitches, an Olympic-standard BMX track and a cycling velodrome, if the project is approved.
The move would mean Leicester Lions speedway club could return home after 25 years.
The BMX track and velodrome could be used for cycling events in the 2009 Special Olympics. There would also be an education centre for people with learning disabilities.
British Cycling, the sport's governing body, would move its regional headquarters to Beaumont Leys.
Coun Andy Connelly, the council's spokesman for culture, has met Beaumont Sports Consortium to discuss the proposals.
The council has now agreed to look at the scheme, and the cabinet will consider a more detailed plan for the project, at the back of Beaumont Leys leisure centre, later this year.
Coun Connelly said: "This is an exciting development for the city, which will bring real benefits to the area. However, it will not be delivered overnight and a number of obstacles need to be overcome.
"We shall continue to listen to the views of local people as these proposals are developed."
Ken Naylor, chairman of Leicester Speedway Supporters' Club, said he was hopeful the stadium would be ready for the 2010 season.
He said: "We're very pleased. We're happy with what's happening at the moment. It's going to plan and we're quite confident. The council seems to be happy and, hopefully, they'll be happy with the final plans."
The consortium has yet to submit a planning application for the proposal, and architects are still drawing up more detailed plans.
David Hemsley, of S &P Architects, the consultants leading the project, said: "This is a very exciting and unique opportunity for the local community and for the city.
"If our plans go ahead it will provide facilities for the city now, and a legacy for future generations.
"It could be a catalyst for activity in Beaumont Park and mark the return of Leicester Lions speedway club to the city."
Speedway was popular in Leicester for much of the last century at a stadium in Blackbird Road.
By the late 1950s, the sport's popularity had begun to wane and the track closed in 1963.
However, when it reopened five years later, it drew a crowd of 11,000 for the first night.
The sport was still popular in the 1970s, but in 1983 the stadium owners sold the site to house builders.
Developers say motor bike noise has been reduced substantially in the past 20 years and is up to 90 per cent quieter than when speedway was staged at Blackbird Road.
Leicester West MP Patricia Hewitt said: "These facilities will be of great benefit to my constituents.
"However, I know from meeting with local residents that there are concerns about impact of the speedway track and that is why I am working very closely with the council and the developers to ensure we get the best possible outcome."
Ms Hewitt, who chaired a public meeting on the plans last year, will hold another consultation this year.