OXFORD – VERY VERY DO-ABLE

Oxford Stadium, the former GRA owned stadium that represented their vision of the future of greyhound tracks, closed on Boxing Day 2012. How badly has it aged and is it feasible to resurrect it? writes Floyd Amphlett

The bulk of this article is taken up by photographs – visual evidence from which the reader can formulate an opinion and decide for themselves.

Here are a few personal observations based on the same pictures with some further research.

The first observation is that, overall, Oxford Stadium is in far better condition than I was expecting. In fact, the biggest issues are the ones that are the most urgent from a timing perspective.

Kevin Boothby intends to start trialing greyhounds by late November. To do so, he will have to completely lay a new racing circuit. Unlike Mildenhall, there is virtually nothing to work with bar the bare outline of the original circuit.

A bigger task still is the kennel area and paddock. The paddock is completely overgrown and the kennels would all need to be ‘made new’.

Having said that, they are solid block built and dry. Boothby has already purchased all the Peterborough kennel doors.

The biggest change though would be that the entire kennel block would be enclosed to allow for full air conditioning. The track previously operated an outdated ‘air control’ system which was never fit for purpose.

As for the spectator facilities, there is a hole in the roof of the main grandstand which has caused some damage and the roof tiles have been removed which gives the place a dilapidated look.

But other areas of the stadium look in remarkable condition, complete with TVs and carpets. The toilets and kitchens are in great order. Plans to re-open to the public in nine months time look quite do-able.

But there is far more to Oxford than greyhound racing alone. Kevin Boothby’s deal sees him take over the entire site. In addition to greyhounds, there are plans to bring back speedway.

There was previously a motorcycle school and go-cart facility. There is also, in fantastic condition, the original health  and dance studios.

As part of a sprawling housing estate of 58,000 residences, Boothby has ambitions of ‘the husband popping in for a beer and racing while the missus is in the health studio’.

An SIS contract is in the bag and you would struggle to find any greyhound track with greater local and council support than Oxford.

All things considered, the old girl looks quite savable – don’t you think?