Folkestone and Hereford to close at end of year
The respective local authorities have not given up hope of resurrecting the courses in the future after the owners announced the closure of the racecourses at the end of 2012.
Arena Leisure and Northern Racing revealed their plans to close down both venues yesterday, although it is hoped Folkestone’s demise will only be temporary.
A short-term stay of execution appears unlikely at Hereford, though, with the track, which has been in business since 1771, operating under lease from Herefordshire County Council.
Tony Kelly, managing director of Arena and Northern Racing, said: “Hereford is owned by Herefordshire County Council and run under a lease arrangement.
“Attempts to extend the lease, which has 17 years remaining, have been unsuccessful.
“Despite being unviable for several years we have supported the racecourse but much-needed investment, required to breathe new life into the racecourse, cannot be justified in the absence of a long-term future for the business.”
The local authority are hoping further discussion could yield a more favourable solution, but accept the course is no longer a viable entity for its owners.
A statement read: “Herefordshire Council deeply regrets the decision that Arena Leisure and Northern Racing has taken today to close the Hereford racecourse.
“At midday today representatives came to see us to inform us of their decision to close. This is the first we heard that they were going to take this decision.
“The lease between the council and the racecourse has a further 17 years to run and the council remains willing to discuss options with the company for the continuation of racing in Hereford.
“This is clearly a business-based decision for Arena Leisure and Northern Racing.
“We understand in discussion with them today that they have been running at a loss over recent years and their announcement and decision to close Hereford racecourse is based on their overall trading position.”
There is a glimmer of hope for Folkestone racegoers as the track could reopen in the future if planning permission was granted for a residential development on the site.
That would result in a total revamp of the course, which Arena and Northern Racing feel is necessary to continue racing.
Kelly said: “Folkestone suffers from outdated facilities and has been the subject of detailed discussion between the previous management, Arena Leisure, and Shepway District Council for several years now.
“The proposal for the site incorporated significant residential development, which would have enabled a new racecourse to be constructed with much enhanced amenities.However, these plans have been delayed following the recent Examination in Public of the local plan.
“Discussions will continue with Shepway District Council in the hope that there will be approval of development plans which would secure the future of the racecourse.
“If they succeed, work to reconfigure the racecourse could commence in 2013.”
