Friday August 15, 2025
Swindon Motorsports has announced that Wiltshire Council has formally validated the planning application for The Studley Grange Motorsports Hub.

Located at Studley Grange, 3 miles south-west of Swindon and south-east of Royal Wootton Bassett, the site is situated on a former waste site adjacent to the Great Western main line and a 3-minutes’ drive from Junction 16 of the M4.

If approved, the proposals will deliver a sustainably developed and operated new speedway racing arena for Swindon Speedway alongside a karting circuit, refreshment and recreation facilities, a complex of business units, flexible parking, and associated infrastructure and landscaping.

The proposals will support hundreds of jobs during construction and up to 56 full-time jobs associated with the business centre and karting operation. A further 2 full time jobs and 29 part time jobs once the speedway facility is operational, delivering new opportunities for local residents and businesses and supporting the local economy and supply chains.

The full suite of planning and technical documents can be accessed via Wiltshire Council’s planning portal and by searching using the project name – Studley Grange, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9QS – and reference number PL/2025/06229.

Final proposals

Following public consultation, extensive technical assessments, and additional surveys, the final proposals include:

• A 330m speedway arena to host speedway racing and training, with improved access and amenity for visiting teams, to serve as the home of the Swindon Robins.

• A racing specification karting circuit for recreational and competition use with a designated car park and observation area.

• Covered terraces and seating to cater to all demographics.

• Facilities for refreshment and recreation, including themed retail and entertainment, including a range of food and beverage options, alongside comprehensive toilet facilities.

• A small complex of business units providing office, meeting and workshop space aimed at startup motorsport related enterprises, relocated away from the listed farmhouse to protect the historic environment and enhance the visitor experience.

• The full restoration and reuse of the Grade II listed farmhouse to be used as a meeting space associated with the business units.

• Over 200 permanent parking spaces, with overflow capacity for over 500 vehicles during large events, alongside a coach parking and drop-off point.

• Sustainability and energy efficiency measures including EV charging infrastructure, repurposed shipping containers for all new buildings minimising embodied carbon, all-electric power and fully insulated to improve energy efficiency in operation.

Discussions are also taking place with potential partner organisations, including karting operators, local sports clubs, and community groups, to explore ways in which the development can deliver additional sport, leisure, and recreation opportunities locally.

A decision on the planning application is expected by the end of the year and if planning permission is granted, construction will begin in early 2026.

Terry Russell, Chairman of Swindon Motorsports and Swindon Speedway, said: ‘After many years of tireless effort and determination from the Swindon Motorsports team, we are delighted to announce the formal submission of a planning application for Studley Grange Motorsports Hub.’

‘The project team has worked incredibly hard to get to this stage and I personally wish to thank them and all of the local residents and speedway fans from across Swindon and Wiltshire who have engaged with us and submitted constructive feedback on how we can deliver a modern and sustainable home for motorsports racing in the South West.’

‘Our proposals represent the best, and only, chance of securing a return of speedway in Swindon and we call on all Robins supporters to back our application and let Wiltshire Council know that Swindon Needs Studley. Realistically, this is our last chance to provide the sport with a sustainable future in this region.’