A newly appointed Board of Directors at Smallbrook Stadium has unveiled ambitious plans to transform the Ryde venue into a year-round community hub, following a successful season for the Wightlink Warriors.
The future of the speedway team had been cast into doubt earlier this year when former co-promoter Barry Bishop announced his resignation, leaving Martin Widman as sole director just weeks before the season was due to begin.
Faced with the task of securing riders, creating a new volunteer base and putting together a summer fixture list, Martin and a team of volunteers managed to get the season underway at Smallbrook Stadium.
The turnaround has come as the venue celebrates 30 years of speedway racing.
Building on that momentum, a new Board of Directors has now taken the reins at Smallbrook Stadium, headed by newly appointed Chair Lisa Buck.
The board wants to develop the stadium into a multi-purpose venue which can support wider regeneration, bring vacant spaces back into use and serve residents and visitors to the Isle of Wight.
Its long-term vision includes creating a year-round destination for cultural, heritage and leisure activities, including eco-tourism and creative events. Plans also include working with businesses to create jobs, apprenticeships and vocational training opportunities.
Improving physical accessibility across the venue is another priority, although the board acknowledges significant work will be required to bring the stadium up to modern standards.
The board is now seeking local and national businesses, as well as individual supporters, to help fund improvements through advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Packages range up to arena title sponsorship, with tailored arrangements available for businesses of different sizes.
Lisa Buck, Chair of the Board, has said:
“What Martin Widman and our amazing team of volunteers achieved under immense pressure when Martin was left as sole director is nothing short of extraordinary.
“They saved the season and brought world-class energy back to the stadium. Now, as a new board, our job is to honor that effort by transforming Smallbrook into an accessible, multi-use community asset that drives local enterprise, creates jobs, and serves everyone across Ryde and the Island.”
Speedway takes place at Smallbrook Stadium on Tuesday evenings, with gates opening at 17:30 and tapes up at 19:00.
Sponsorship and community enquiries can be directed to Lisa Buck at [email protected].
