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Arc confirms closure of Belle Vue
BY JONATHAN KAY12:55PM 1 AUG 2020
THE worst fears of greyhound racing fans have been confirmed with the announcement by Arena Racing Company (Arc) that Belle Vue is to be permanently closed.
Regarded as the home of greyhound racing, having launched the sport in the UK in 1926, Belle Vue has been under threat of redevelopment for many years with planning permission granted last December for residential properties on the site.
It returned from lockdown with two meetings in early June before Arc suspended racing at the venue and promptly announced a consultation process over its long-term future.
That process has now completed and an Arc press release yesterday confirmed: “The decision has been made that there is no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium and employees of the site will be made redundant.
“As a stadium that relies heavily on attendance, catering and hospitality, the national lockdown has had a particularly negative effect on Belle Vue, with racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business.
“The significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that, despite exploring every avenue, there is no choice but to confirm closure.”
Mark Spincer, director of Arc’s racing division, added: “The closure of Belle Vue greyhound stadium has been anincredibly difficult one to make, especially given the history associated with the stadium, but our consultation on options moving forward could not see a manner in which the business could support itself.
“As stated previously, the effects of the national lockdown, alongside the significant uncertainty over when, and in what manner, crowds may be able to return has had a huge impact on Belle Vue in particular, given its reliance on public attendance.
“We will continue to provide welfare support payments to the remaining Belle Vue trainers, not currently racing at other stadia, until the end of September, and assist with any homing requirements during that time.
BY JONATHAN KAY12:55PM 1 AUG 2020
THE worst fears of greyhound racing fans have been confirmed with the announcement by Arena Racing Company (Arc) that Belle Vue is to be permanently closed.
Regarded as the home of greyhound racing, having launched the sport in the UK in 1926, Belle Vue has been under threat of redevelopment for many years with planning permission granted last December for residential properties on the site.
It returned from lockdown with two meetings in early June before Arc suspended racing at the venue and promptly announced a consultation process over its long-term future.
That process has now completed and an Arc press release yesterday confirmed: “The decision has been made that there is no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium and employees of the site will be made redundant.
“As a stadium that relies heavily on attendance, catering and hospitality, the national lockdown has had a particularly negative effect on Belle Vue, with racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business.
“The significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that, despite exploring every avenue, there is no choice but to confirm closure.”
Mark Spincer, director of Arc’s racing division, added: “The closure of Belle Vue greyhound stadium has been anincredibly difficult one to make, especially given the history associated with the stadium, but our consultation on options moving forward could not see a manner in which the business could support itself.
“As stated previously, the effects of the national lockdown, alongside the significant uncertainty over when, and in what manner, crowds may be able to return has had a huge impact on Belle Vue in particular, given its reliance on public attendance.
“We will continue to provide welfare support payments to the remaining Belle Vue trainers, not currently racing at other stadia, until the end of September, and assist with any homing requirements during that time.
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Desperate. Huge sympathy for all losing their livelihoods, hobby, interest. The emptiness of losing your local track is desperate.
@sparrow Great pics - those were the days my friend.... we thought they would never end. Can look back with lots of happy memories of my flapping and NGRC days. A lovely Sunday morning like today, would have been at either Kinsley, Whitwood, Highgate or Askern grading trials enjoying the craic, or at Owlerton taking my dog(s) for a nice walk
Sadly a tatty dump full of violent drunks in recent years. Poor quality, overpriced food and drink. A bit of history gone, but overdue.
The sad thing is
We are witnessing this demise
Yet we cant do feck all about it
We are witnessing this demise
Yet we cant do feck all about it
Because those who run the sport have not a clue or care.
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