READING Speedway fans will have to wait a little longer before witnessing the start of building work on their new stadium.
When the old Smallmead stadium closed down in October 2008, plans were prepared for a new venue in Island Road.
Gaming International, who have the controlling rights, were unable to provide the funding despite talks with other companies about bringing in a casino as well.
Reading Borough Council gave GI a deadline to confirm that they intended building a new stadium.
That deadline was last month, but this week the council agreed to extend it to March of next year.
The council revealed in a statement: “Reading Borough Council’s position has always been that we remain fully committed to the delivery of a new stadium to host top-class speedway and greyhound racing in Reading, and that remains the case.
“Cabinet authority to enter into an agreement with Gaming International existed and would have seen them have until June 2010 to be on site and commence work on the new stadium.
“However, changes in European Procurement laws late last year and evolving case law resulted in RBC having to undertake a full re-evaluation of its position.
“That re-evaluation has now been completed.”
A report was read to the council cabinet on Monday and they were advised to grant an extension to “allow Gaming International to meet a number of conditions which are necessary before constructions starts.”
