Equestrian centre plan for West Mid showground
Wednesday 23rd June 2010, 3:12PM BST.
A multi-million-pound equestrian centre could be built at Shrewsbury’s West Mid Showground as part of major plans to secure the site’s future, it was revealed today.
Roy Dodd, chairman of The Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society, said that they were looking to carry out feasibility studies into the scheme after mooting the idea with Advantage West Midlands.
He said that the centre, which could be up and running within five years, would be a “centre of excellence” for training equestrian competitors and could also stage horse-jumping events.
It was also envisaged that activities could be staged at the centre as part of the new Shropshire County Show, he said.
Mr Dodd said regional development agency AWM saw great potential for the development at the showground in Berwick Road.
He said the society would now do a business plan and feasibility study in conjunction with Business Link and AWM, adding: “We are looking at having a permanent equestrian centre at the end of the showground where it doesn’t flood.
“It would have rings and a show-jumping arena.”
Mr Dodd said it would be a huge boost for the area.
He said: “At the moment AWM believe that we generate about £6 million into the local economy, of which £3 million is net because it may be spent anyway — but if it is an extra £3 million year-on-year then it is worth investing in and AWM are quite enthusiastic.”
The move is part of attempts to encourage grea-ter use of the showground for premier events. The site is due to host a seven-a-side women’s football tournament next month and will again be the setting for the Shrewsbury Folk Festival in August.
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great idea, good stuff
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what about when it floods will it be built on stilts???
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