Belle Vue geared up for £6m switch

Plan for the Belle Vue Speedway stadium

AFTER four years of discussion, plans for Belle Vue’s new £6 million home are taking shape — and supporters will soon learn how they can put their mark on the new venue.

The venture received a major boost when it was designated the national speedway venue which, along with support from international speedway governing body the FIM and grand prix rights holders IMG, will provide the chance to host top class international events.

Fans — who have received a glimpse of the new complex in artist impressions (pictured) — are being invited to ‘buy-a-brick’ in the ‘Boulevard of Fame’, which will see die-hards commemorate their favourite riders from the past.

Their chosen stalwarts will then be immortalised in a wall of honour at the new site on Kirkmanshulme Lane, nextdoor to their current base at the greyhound stadium.

The arena will boast a 6,000 capacity, with the potential for 18,000 housed in temporary stands for major events.

Chris Morton, Operations Director at Belle Vue, is leading the project and after more than 30 years with the Speedway

Aces believes it is the biggest step forward taken by the club in his career.

He said: “This will be a modern stadium fit for modern speedway. It will provide the room and different lines for good racing.”

The club is to hold a public meeting about the switch and will soon launch a new website — www.nationalspeedwaystadium.co.uk