The Walthamstow Stadium, located in North-East London, is one of The Stow’s most beloved treasures.

Sadly, it is only a fragment of its former being, as only the front remains.

It opened in 1933 as a greyhound racing track and was sensationally popular, this popularity continued throughout the century, passing down generations.

The stadium's trademark was its red fencing and the unforgettable neon lettering of “Walthamstow Stadium” on the front, that never failed to announce its presence.

The former nightclub “Charlie Chans”, opened in 1984, was located just below the stadium’s clocktower and was recognisable by its bright red sign that read out “Charlie Chans” in italics, adding to the luminosity of the already beaming stadium.

The stadium has seen the likes of many celebrities, in June 1945 the historical personage Winston Churchill, held which was named as his “Final campaign speech” within the stadium.

In 1987, as a youngster, the football icon David Beckham, brought up just around the corner from the stadium in Chingford, was employed here and would collect glasses.

Movie star Brad Pitt was an attendee at the track in the 2000s, his surprise visit was to promote his new film at the time, “Snatch” based in London.

The boy band East 17, who have the hit Christmas song “Stay Another Day”, filmed the music video for their song “House of Love” on top of the stadium.

The group Blur shared the same admiration for the stadium and used it for the cover of their well-known album “Parklife”.

Despite all the love it received, the stadium closed its doors in 2008, a decision met with great opposition from devoted fans across boroughs, this the followed the closure of the nightclub in 2007.

The reason being due to a decrease in profits and attendance.

Its longevity was commemorated with a final race that drew visitors in from far and wide.

The closure had many in disbelief and they held hope for its eventual revitalisation.

However, the track was demolished in 2011.

A local to the area who was a frequent visitor, Mr Carver, recounts his experiences there:

All good memories, it was a cheap night out with your mates, and you’d put 50p bets on. There were two entrances to get in, one specifically for those who had paid a higher entrance fee and would place higher bets. In Chans the atmosphere was good, and the doormen were always friendly. Hardly any problems would occur because everyone knew each other. I was a bit sad about it going because there is a lot of history there growing up, but as an adult, I don’t agree with dog racing. However, it is still an iconic place for me, I am happy to still see the front of it.

What was demolished was converted into new homes, nevertheless the façade of the dog track remains and is still beloved by many.

In future it would be nice to see this sensational treasure become a local attraction.