New lease of life

The late Clive Sullivan MBE (left) in his heyday at the Boulevard

Greyhound racing and junior rugby league could be coming back to the Boulevard

Today it stands empty and unused – a shadow of its former self.
But this may be about to change.
Hull City Council, which owns the west Hull stadium, has been looking for a way of bringing it into use since it closed.
And as this magazine was going to press, a three-year lease was being drawn up which could see its doors re-open by the summer.
"We said last summer we wanted to sort out the mess with the Boulevard, demolish the East Stand and get the ground fit for use," says Cllr Andy Sloan, who is responsible for the economy and regeneration in Hull.
"The old east stand is currently being demolished to get the stadium ready for an operator to move in. We think we may have found a solution.
"Personally, I've always been very attached to the Boulevard and have been particularly concerned about the rugby which is why I am hoping to broker arrangements for the Hull and District Youth League knockout cups to be played at the KC Stadium."
The Council has a Scrutiny Panel looking into the future of the Boulevard.
Chair of the panel, Cllr Sean Chaytor, said: "We are looking at the future of the Boulevard site, taking into account the wishes and aspirations of the community."
Cllr Paul Hepton, also on the panel, said: "We have already heard the wishes of some of the sporting community and look forward to hearing the opinions of other sports clubs and interested parties."
Hull-based leisure and property developer DMQA Holdings Ltd was expected to sign the lease.
The company, which also owns the Platform 1 Hotel in Hedon Road, has plans to invest £200,000 at the stadium.
"We hope to make it into a premier greyhound venue for the north of England," says Shaun Rennison, the company's operations manager.
Among DMQA's plans, which are subject to planning permission, are new stadium lighting and public sound systems.
"There are 15 junior rugby clubs in Hull, which can field 100 teams from the eight to 18 age groups, and every one of them wants junior tournaments to return to the Boulevard," says Alan Parker, secretary of Hull and District Youth Rugby League.
"There is something special about playing on a pitch once graced by Clive Sullivan and the Hull sporting greats," he added.
The Council is now in discussions about the long-term future of the site.

East Hull under 16s will play rugby league again at the Boulevard if plans get the go-ahead Picture by Darren Casey www.dcimaging.co.uk