Historic stadium set for transformation

OWLERTON stadium in Sheffield is set for a £1.6m overhaul which is expected to turn the historic site into one of greyhound racing’s most profitable venues.

The single largest investment in Sheffield’s Owlerton Stadium has been announced on the eve of the venue’s 80th anniversary.

Managing director John Gilburn, the man that rescued Manchester’s Belle Vue Stadium from the brink of closure, is set to oversee the investment in the track as he celebrates the end of his own first year at the venue.

Work to double the size of the venue’s restaurant; increase the numbers of covers to 300 and refurbish the existing restaurant and Panorama Bar is set to start “in weeks” and be ready for business by Christmas 2009.

The last 12 months has already seen massive investment to the track and a strategic shift in marketing methods.

A £50,000 upgrade to the corporate boxes; the £100,000 refurbishment of the Sportsman Tavern bar and £120,000 improvements to the track, to help improve greyhound safety and attract better dogs to Sheffield have already been completed.

Corporate use of the facilities has also enjoyed a steady rise during the day time.

John Gilburn said: “There couldn’t have been a more exciting time to join Owlerton Stadium and I’m glad to say I’ve managed to deliver on everyone of my promises. Greyhound welfare is paramount to Owlerton Stadium and I’m glad to say the re-laying of the track has only gone to further improve our already exemplary reputation.

“With our own Napoleons casino next door, and work set to start on a new banqueting suite for the site, I’m looking forward to making Owlerton Stadium an integral part of the Owlerton Experience – an entire destination venue for the region.

“This major investment shows just how serious we are about the future success of The Owlerton Experience.”