| Walthamstow won't be going to the dogs! Key parts of vintage dog track are ‘listed’ by Culture Minister David Lammy |
| Wednesday, 23 May 2007 |
The famous Entrance Range including the Tote Board and the Kennels at Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium have been listed as Grade II, Culture Minister David Lammy announced today.
The stadium, built in 1931, has had a number of improvements and additions since it first opened but the notable frontage remains, as do the kennels which were built as part of the first phase of construction.
David Lammy said:
“Walthamstow Stadium is a wonderful part of Britain’s greyhound racing heritage. It is also the best surviving and most architecturally interesting vintage greyhound stadium in the country, and a major East London landmark. It is only right that we should celebrate this architectural showpiece to popular entertainment by listing its key components.”
Greyhound racing evolved as a sport from the 1920s, out of hare and rabbit coursing, a much older leisure pursuit. It was the invention of an Oklahoma entrepreneur, O.P. Smith who invented the mechanical hare, and the idea came to England in 1925. By 1939, there were 100 tracks in Britain, and London had at least ten. It was a hugely popular activity and in 1946, attendance numbers rivalled those of football matches.
Background
1. The main purpose of listing a building is to ensure that care will be taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect the particular character and interest of the building, and that the case for its preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals.
2. Further details of English Heritage's recommendations can be obtained from Historic Environment Designation Branch, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH.
Please click here to read more about Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium.
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