LONG MARSTON SITE SUGGESTED FOR HOSTING 2012 OLYMPIC TEAMS

The former Central Engineers Depot site at Long Marston, near Stratford-upon-Avon, which St Modwen Properties PLC acquired from the Defence Estates two years ago, has been identified as a potential location for accommodating teams for the 2012 Olympic Games. Many of the sports facilities used by the Royal Engineers when they were based there are still intact and, subject to refurbishment and new equipment, could prove ideal for some of the Olympic sports squads.

Warwickshire County Council has prepared for the London Olympic organisers a report on the facilities available at Long Marston, which include squash courts, both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, a gymnasium, tennis courts and other facilities plus accommodation.

Anthony Glossop, chairman of St Modwen, who went on an inspection tour of the 478-acre Long Marston site this week with representatives of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “Long Marston provides the opportunity for a wide range of employment, leisure and even some residential uses. We appreciate that anything like an Olympic base is challenging and would need a long term after use, but it exemplifies the range of opportunities and lateral thinking our team is exploring.”

Mr Glossop, together with Paul Lankester, chief executive of Stratford Council, Trevor Askew, the council’s corporate director, and local councillor Mike Brain, went on a fact-finding visit prior to further discussions on a redevelopment strategy for the site. Last autumn rail traffic returned to Long Marston with the letting to Porterbrook of a 26,000 sq ft raIl-connected warehouse for storage of rolling stock, spares and parts. More than 80 per cent of the 1.1 million sq ft of existing buildings on the former depot site are let on short-term leases.

For further information contact Peter Robbins of St Modwen (0121 222 9400). Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 236 7771).