Coventry Bees have signed a new lease at Brandon Stadium.
The following press statement has been issued:
"Coventry Bees have signed a new lease on Brandon Stadium, following discussions earlier this year coordinated by Rugby Borough Council.
The Coventry Bees speedway team had been facing their last season at the stadium after it had been sold for development. But after Cllr Michael Stokes, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, opened talks between the Bees and Agents acting for the new landowners, Brandon Estates Ltd, the Bees have signed a new lease to allow the team to continue competing next season while they search for a new long-term venue. Brandon Estates has also agreed to sponsor the Bees next season.
The new lease runs for one year from 1 January 2017 until October 2017, with the possibility of a further two years, subject to conditions. The lease would allow Coventry Bees and junior race meetings. Additional events would be subject to individual agreement.
Darren English, spokesman for the stadium owners, Brandon Estates Ltd, said:
“After concluding our discussions and negotiations we very pleased that the Bees will continue at Brandon until October 2017 with the possibility of a further two years, subject to the long-term redevelopment of the site being settled.
“This will give the Bees security for the next 12 months, and possibly longer, allowing the team more time to find an alternative venue. We are also delighted to be sponsoring the Bees next season.
“I would like to thank the Council for playing such a key role in these discussions and helping to broker an agreement that takes all parties forward in a positive and practical way.”
Cllr Michael Stokes, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said:
"It is clear that the situation the Bees and the other stadium users find themselves in is not ideal, but the lease that has been offered to them is a good compromise that will allow speedway and stock car racing to continue at Brandon for at least another year.
"After meeting fans groups earlier this year and hearing their concerns first hand, I am delighted to have been able to bring all of the interested parties together to allow an offer to be made."
Mick Horton of Coventry Speedway, said:
“We have signed the new lease to give the speedway team security for the next year at least, while we continue to investigate the options for the team’s long-term future. We would like to thank the new owners for offering us the new lease and new sponsorship money, which will certainly help our finances over the next 12 months.
“We hope that all our fans will join me in thanking the Council and the new owners now that we will have another full season at Brandon Stadium in 2017.”