DETAILS of the new speedway and greyhound racing stadium have been revealed after the final planning application was eventually submitted.

In April last year, fans were told it was only a matter of weeks before the necessary documents would be submitted to the council but a number of issues held up the process.

Now the paperwork is online it has been confirmed that not only will there be a new state-of-the-art sports facility built but there will also be a training centre.

This will allow youngsters to learn about bike mechanics and animal husbandry.

The existing stadium has been in use for 70 years but has recently become dilapidated. If given full planning permission, its replacement will be built on the current car park.

The planning document says: “Abbey Stadium has been in use since the 1940s, providing popular leisure activities, mainly speedway racing and greyhound racing plus a market; it is now in urgent need of redevelopment to meet current standards, and consumer expectations, and no alternative site in the Swindon area has been identified.

“Opportunities for support and investment have been lost to other sites in Swindon and competing stadiums within the region are now starting to draw trade away from Abbey Stadium.”

A market will remain at the site while facilities within the main building will allow it to generate income when there are no sporting events being held.

“The new stadium model will deliver a high quality two-storey building with a new market hall at ground floor level, which will also include some catering and beverage facilities that can be used by both market and race visitors,” says the report.

“The main racing facility will be located at first level overlooking the greyhound and speedway tracks. It will incorporate restaurant, lounge and café bar style units.

“The first floor design will be sufficiently flexible so as to provide meeting and conference spaces, available for private hire and for the use of local community groups.”

As well as updated facilities, the new-look Abbey Stadium will also offer training opportunities,

The report says: “This training will predominantly focus on mechanical skills associated with motorcycle engineering and maintenance, and will provide an important stepping stone for young people who may wish to pursue employment in sectors such as advanced engineering.

“The facility will also provide other training opportunities, such as in animal husbandry.”

This move has been welcomed by Swindon North MP Justin Tomlinson, who has campaigned for the new stadium.

He said: “It is fantastic to see these detailed plans come forward, setting out the exciting new facilities both for the fans and the community. We have worked hard to secure this real boost for the fans, the club and town - great news.”