Arlington stadium

[Son of Shaleman]

20 minutes ago, arnieg said:

Only required for capacities above 10,000 so this doesn't sound like a plausible reason

You may know more on this but don’t local councils have health and safety duties and powers, discharged alongside the HSE?

[Son of Shaleman]

Safety issues confirmed by Eric in a BBC interview - on bbc news website /sussex

[arnieg]

1 hour ago, Son of Shaleman said:

You may know more on this but don’t local councils have health and safety duties and powers, discharged alongside the HSE?

That sounds like it. The example that springs to mind is the closure of the back straight at Sheffield

[Toady]

36 minutes ago, Son of Shaleman said:

bbc news website /sussex

Fyi

riday, 7 August 2026 18:01

Arlington Stadium in Hailsham has officially ended all motor racing events with immediate effect, concluding over 60 years of historic oval-track racing at the venue.

The Reason Behind the Cancellation

Eric Dugard, the joint owner of Arlington Stadium, stated that the decision stems from ongoing serious infrastructure and health and safety problems affecting both competitors and the public. 

Critical Fence Issues: The core issue is the necessary replacement of a 600-metre wire mesh safety fence that wraps around the track perimeter to catch flying debris.

Insurance Risks: The stadium's insurance provider will not cover the venueagainst potential serious accidents while a proper substitute fence remains uninstalled. 

Financial Strain: Remedying these issues would require several months and a massive financial cost. The owners, who have already spent over £250,000 on recent upgrades, decided that continuing motor racing is no longer financially viable for the business. 

The Promoter's Reaction

The announcement took race coordinator Spedeworth Motorsports by surprise. They expressed deep disappointment over the abrupt closure, which came less than 24 hours after hosting a highly successful race meeting. The promoter has indicated they will provide an update regarding pre-existing bookings and upcoming ticket details in the coming days. 

Future of the Venue

While motor sports (including historic banger, stock car, and past motorcycle speedway events) have permanent checkered flags, the facility itself may not disappear entirely. The venue owners are actively evaluating future plans and exploring alternative, non-motorsport events that could safely occupy the stadium grounds

[Neila]

On 8/6/2026 at 9:43 PM, Marky_Mark said:

I did read that it can’t be sold for housing as the site is too contaminated, not sure how true that is 

They said that about the old steel works site in Workington, now 15 years later 200 out of 500 houses have been built 

[eric i]

Couldn't speedway run without the 600-metre wire mesh safety fence?

[M.D]

On 8/6/2026 at 10:54 PM, Hackett said:

🏘️🏘️🏘️ = 💰💰💰💰💰

Comes as no great surprise once the gates closed on the speedway team and the venue become a one sport stadium, that the next step would be property development or planning permission. Such a shame as the speedway track has great memories for my family and kids BUT since Ian Jordan left the Eagles high and dry this was inevitable just a case of when. 

Dugard Corner , Norris Way , Kennett Court, Richardson Road.     

 

 

 

Hey mate,

It's not a development issue as stated, the safety certificate has been withdrawn from the stadium.

Around 18 months ago planning for an 'eco village' was turned down and the council made it clear that planning for housing will never be granted on the rural side of the A22.

[Hackett]

On 8/8/2026 at 7:23 AM, M.D said:

Hey mate,

It's not a development issue as stated, the safety certificate has been withdrawn from the stadium.

Around 18 months ago planning for an 'eco village' was turned down and the council made it clear that planning for housing will never be granted on the rural side of the A22.

I heard this later this week but with the site laying there as a derelict site and potential security , health and safety issues  the Council may say one thing now BUT we all know money tends to dictate and with councils continually looking to find more + more funds and with Wealden District Council reported to have debts of over £53 million  that may all change in time, possibly aftera  couple of fires or a travellers circus on the site ... 

[tonyd]

On 8/8/2026 at 7:23 AM, M.D said:

Hey mate,

It's not a development issue as stated, the safety certificate has been withdrawn from the stadium.

Around 18 months ago planning for an 'eco village' was turned down and the council made it clear that planning for housing will never be granted on the rural side of the A22.

Statements like that from councils is about as reliable as the rule book in speedway, time and money talks.

I bet a asset company has already started there phone calls offering big bucks and are ready to sit on the land and a slowly dilapidating stadium until the council has further thoughts on the situation. 

[M.D]

1 hour ago, tonyd said:

Statements like that from councils is about as reliable as the rule book in speedway, time and money talks.

I bet a asset company has already started there phone calls offering big bucks and are ready to sit on the land and a slowly dilapidating stadium until the council has further thoughts on the situation. 

As much as I agree, and I work in new build Construction, the council will not build on that side of the A22, its rural with lots of stables and no infrastructure in place for the area.

Bob Dugard tried many years ago to sell the land for development, it just wont happen IMHO