A multi-millionaire is aiming to turn the Towerlands Centre into the largest all weather arena in Europe after buying it.
Bill Gredley and his company Unex Holdings has bought the equestrian and leisure centre, in Panfield Road, Braintree, from the previous owners, the Hunnable family.
The deal was due to be completed yesterday for an undisclosed amount.
It is hoped a number of jobs will be created as a result of Mr Gredley's ambitious plans.
Mr Gredley, 71, is ranked 310th in the 2004 Times Newspaper Rich List, reportedly worth £125m after amassing his fortune through property and racehorses.
He explained his interest in the centre began when he had been taking his children to the equestrian centre for some years and had become good friends with the Hunnables.
He also revealed Chris Hunnable will still play a major part in the centre's future.
"It is a place that the community of Braintree ought to be proud of," Mr Gredley said. "We like to feel that we are going to be part of the community.
"It is a nice part of the world with lots of nice people here. We want to create some jobs and we want to create a buzz about the place."
Firefighters were called to the Towerlands Centre yesterday after a fire broke out at about 8.35am. Crews had put the blaze out by 9.05am. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire
Published Wednesday August 11, 2004
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