Artists Impression of the new South Stand

The new stand will increase stadium capacity from the current 75,000 to approximately 82,000, incorporate enhanced safety and security measures and improve provision for persons with disabilities and public and corporate patrons. Within the new stand, the RFU will also build a 156 bed 4 Star hotel, conference and exhibition space, a health and fitness club, office space for the Union and a new RFU store.

The RFU is proposing a package of community measures as part of the scheme. Central to this is a new performing arts centre built within the exhibition space, for use by music, theatre and drama groups. This continues a tradition of the RFU of encouraging local schools, community groups, and arts groups to use the facilities of Twickenham Stadium.

To enable the redevelopment, 14 houses on Whitton Road, mostly owned by the RFU, will have to be removed. However, a new development of 24 flats will be built to the North of the stadium with 10 of the flats designated as affordable housing.

Francis Baron, RFU Chief Executive said, "We are very conscious that Twickenham is part of the local community. We will be consulting widely on these plans, but I hope most of our neighbours will conclude that the additional impact upon them is minimal and that the performing arts centre and other facilities are of real benefit. Hopefully they, like us, will be proud that Twickenham Stadium is at the heart of English rugby and of the community."

The South Stand proposals confirm Twickenham's role as a major contributor to the economic prosperity of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the whole of South West London. The redevelopment will generate approximately 200 full time jobs and mean an extra 105 more staff joining those currently employed on match days. The stand will see Twickenham injecting £40 million per year into the economy of South West London.

Paul Hopper, Managing Director of the London Tourist Board said, "Studies show that top rate sporting facilities such as a redeveloped Twickenham attracts tourists into cities."

As the new stand increases capacity by less than ten per cent for the five or six capacity matches per year, match-day traffic increases are likely to be minimal. However, as part of the application, the RFU proposes extending the successful measures it has in place to encourage fans to leave their cars at home.