Oxford Stadium’s managing director has revealed more details about plans for the venue after a community group expressed concerns about greyhound racing.

Kevin Boothby has bought the lease at the Sandy Lane venue and is planning to bring back greyhound racing in 2022 after a decade's absence. Speedway could also return.

Oxford Vegan Action’s Jane Magpie said last week she was ‘deeply concerned’ about the racing of greyhounds and the animals’ wellbeing.

She called for a velodrome to be incorporated into the proposals, saying: “A Velodrome and Multi Activity Centre could be used by all ages, to learn and improve their cycling skills.

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“It could include BMX, go karting and possibly electric speedway, a climbing wall and a zipwire as well as other activities like dance, drama and exercise to suit many tastes and all abilities.”

Mr Boothby welcomed Ms Magpie’s support for a cross-party group of local councillors and cycling groups who are collaborating on the vision of a stadium that can be transformed into a centre that can be used daily for the good of the community.

And he said his ‘over-riding strategy’ was to transform the stadium so that community groups would benefit.

Mr Boothby said: “I welcome Ms Magpie’s positive response to the news Oxford Stadium is reopening and would like to reassure her and others that our over-riding strategy is to make it a true multi-purpose community hub. Ms Magpie made several excellent suggestions of activities that could take place at the venue, which are welcomed.

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“I can confirm our plans do not include a velodrome. However, it will be a multipurpose venue that will be open daily for the benefit of the community.

“While currently the return of the much-loved speedway and greyhound racing is getting all the headlines there will be so much more going on. We will have a community café based at the stadium which will be open seven days a week for people to get together and socialise.”

Mr Boothby added that a mental health and wellbeing charity would be based at the venue full-time and will manage a wellness centre.

This will include community outreach programmes and educational workshops.

The identity of the charity has not yet been revealed.

Mr Boothby said new activities at the stadium would create 200 local jobs and apprenticeships.

The stadium director said greyhound welfare was his ‘utmost priority’.

He added: “We will ensure every dog lives an enjoyable life before, during and after their racing careers.

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"This means providing world-leading standards of care which go far beyond requirements for all domestic dog owners in the UK.

"We will also guarantee every greyhound that races at Oxford Stadium will find a loving home in retirement through our strong community partnerships with rehoming charities, trainers and owners.”