Cabinet agrees next phase of work to support return of sport to Brandon Stadium

The decision allows officers to undertake further preparatory work to assess whether there is a realistic, lawful and financially sustainable route to bringing the stadium back into use for speedway, stock car racing and other appropriate sporting and community activities.

Brandon Stadium, also known as Coventry Stadium, has been closed since 2016. The council has consistently supported efforts to see the site returned to sporting use and has explored options available to help secure its future following the closure of the venue.

Cabinet's decision enables further work to be carried out on issues including delivery models, governance arrangements, funding requirements, legal powers, procurement considerations and potential operating arrangements.

The council will also prepare for possible soft market testing to understand interest from organisations that may be able to help restore and operate the venue.

Cllr Sam Edwards, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for Environment and Climate, said: "Brandon Stadium is an important sporting venue with a proud history and many people want to see racing return to the site.

"Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to exploring what role the council can play in helping secure the future of the stadium and supporting its potential return to sporting use.

"This decision allows us to carry out the detailed work needed to understand whether there is a realistic and sustainable route forward.

"We are not making a final decision on acquisition, compulsory purchase or future operation of the site. However, we are taking the next practical steps to ensure that, if there is a viable opportunity to bring Brandon Stadium back into use, the council is in the best possible position to consider it."

Since 2022, the council has been examining options that could support the restoration of Brandon Stadium as a motorsport venue. This work has included exploring acquisition opportunities, assessing legal powers available to the authority and considering how any future operation of the stadium might be delivered.

The council's emerging Local Plan supports the restoration of the stadium for speedway, stock car racing and associated community uses, reflecting the site's historic role in local and regional sport.