In November 2003 the RFU completed an exhibition programme to consult with the local community on its plans to redevelop the South Stand at Twickenham Stadium.

The new development would increase stadium capacity from the current 75,000 to 82,000, a 9% increase for the five or six major matches held each year. Within it, the RFU would also build a 156 bed, four star hotel, conference and exhibition space, a performing arts centre, a health and fitness club, swimming pool, office space for the RFU and a new Rugby Store.

Five public exhibitions advertised in the local press, were held throughout November in Twickenham, Whitton, Isleworth and Richmond, providing an opportunity for the community to discover more about the proposed South Stand development. This included a model, illustrations and plans showing how the new Twickenham would look under the current proposals. People were encouraged to express their views and given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire to help determine opinion. The questionnaire was monitored by the independent Electoral Reform Services

Of the 365 people who completed the questionnaire 81% were in favour of the development and 14% against. Some 300 of them signed the visitors’ book requesting updates when available. Around 70% of those consulted were residents from the local area around the stadium. A further 20% were from Richmond Borough and 10% from Hounslow and other areas.

The exhibition programme enabled the RFU to address residents’ concerns, the key among them being traffic and transport, although many acknowledged the RFU’s efforts to encourage the use of public transport, the increased train service on match days, the implementation of the match day controlled parking scheme and the success of the free shuttle bus service to Richmond and other stations. Other issues discussed were: construction, effect on neighbouring properties, stadium usage and ticket availability for England matches.