Town 'Racino' plans get go-ahead

A scale model of how the proposed 'Racino' would look

Plans have been approved to build a new race track and casino in Reading.

The "Racino" should be completed by 2008 subject to legal agreements, according to the developers.

The complex at Island Road off the A33 will replace the existing speedway and greyhound track, on a site previously used as a quad-bike trail park.

Proposals for the new stadium, which will also house the Reading Bulldogs speedway team, have been on-going for the past seven years.

The Racino - an American term for a casino and racing track - will be accompanied by a 538-space car park and free-standing kennels.

The casino could open seven days a week, from 1400 to 0400, with greyhound racing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and speedway on Mondays.

Nearby Reading Football Club had objected to the proposal on the grounds that its Madejski Stadium would be a better site for a new casino.