It's always sad when one hears of a sporting venue being knocked down in favour of a non-sporting development. Even more so from the perspective of turf professionals when that venue included a perfectly fine natural surface.

There has been a few example of this crop up in the past few weeks. Firstly, there is still a lot of confusion over the state of Millwall FC's stadium, with Lewisham Council's decision for a compulsory purchase of the land around the ground hanging over the club. A meeting to confirm the decision was postponed last week until February.

But seemingly confirmed is the news that Nene Park, the old home of one-time non-league big boys Rushden & Diamonds, is to be demolished to be replaced by a new retail and leisure development. The club, now reborn as AFC Rushden & Dimonds after the old club was dissolved in 2011, have been looking for a new permanent home since having to leave Nene Park following their liquidation.

I remember going to Nene Park in the mid-90s to watch my team Farnborough (then Town) FC play Rushden & Diamonds. The stadium, which was built by Dr Martens owner Max Griggs, really lived up to its nickname as the 'Old Trafford of non-league'. As a non-league fan used to following my club around to perfectly serviceable, but often far from impressive grounds, Nene Park genuinely felt big time.

Sadly though, the ground has been empty since EVO-STIK League Southern Kettering Town moved in for 18 months before costs forced them out in November 2012. In recent times, it has also become a target for vandals. So whilst it might be the best course of action to put it out of its misery and start with a fresh development on the site, one can't help but feel a twinge of sadness. As AFC Rushden and Diamonds said in a statement, "[We] are extremely saddened at the recent news of the planned demolition of Nene Park. The stadium holds many great memories for everyone connected with the club; memories which cannot be erased by its demolition."

And the other big potential loss which made the headlines last week is the news that the historic Kempton Park racecourse could be closed to make way for 3,000 homes. The £500m that the sell-off would raise would be put towards building a new floodlit 'all-weather' course.

As well as the loss of the history of Kempton Park which is saddening, it's that phrase 'all-weather' which will no doubt fuel debate amongst turf professionals. The news has already proved controversial with articles written, Facebook groups set-up to save Kempton and high-profile racing figures voicing their concerns - three-time champion trainer Nicky Henderson for example, tweeted, "The King George isn't the same race at Sandown. Kempton is a track National Hunt racing cannot afford to lose. It's that simple. Very sad news indeed."

To be fair to the Jockey Club they do have some impressive plans in place for the future of racing in this country. They are hoping to generate in total over £100m of investment in the sport.
According to British Horse Racing, the commercial arm’s investment plan will look to improve conditions for riders and racegoers, whilst also addressing financial support for horse welfare and the education of the workforce.

Roger Weatherby, senior steward of The Jockey Club said, “The Jockey Club is governed by Royal Charter to act for the long-term good of British Racing. We must show leadership with the assets we have and, where merited, take tough decisions to help our sport to keep moving forwards. The decision to submit our estate at Kempton Park for consideration in the Local Plan is unique and has not been taken lightly.

“Our board of stewards are horsemen and, having carefully considered what we can achieve in the long-run from doing so, are unanimously of the view that British racing is better served by us doing so."

Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), added, “We acknowledge and understand the reasons behind the Jockey Club’s announcement. The BHA will work with the Jockey Club in the development of their plans, to ensure that the long-term interests of the sport - and its grassroots - are best served in the coming years, with a particular focus on safeguarding the future health of jump racing. It is early days yet, but should Kempton close, its jump fixtures will remain as jump fixtures.

“The proposed Newmarket all-weather track would need to go through the usual processes for the addition of new racecourses, which includes the submission of an application for approval by the BHA Board, and ensuring that the course would meet all the necessary licensing criteria.”

Obviously change and progress is necessary in all industries. And if in the long run facilities are improved for the benefit of competitors, clubs and fans that is of course only a positive development.

However, I do feel it's entirely legitimate to feel a sense of nostalgia and indeed a pang of sadness, for the passing of these venues. Especially so if the playing surface which will be replacing it, also turns its back on the past and ignores its natural turf roots.