RFU seeks 15 annual concerts at Twickenham to fund rugby and community
Revised plans include £1m community fund, resident ticket priority and extra train services on event days
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RFU and Richmond Council named
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The Rugby Football Union has resubmitted plans to Richmond Council to expand the number of major concerts at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium from three to 15 each year. The proposal, which the RFU says will generate up to £1 million annually for local community projects, follows an earlier rejection by the council in 2023.
Under the revised plans, residents would receive priority pre-sale access to 1,000 tickets for each concert. The RFU has also committed to allocating at least 30 free bookings per year for community groups to use stadium spaces. Facility fees included in ticket prices would fund a community enhancement programme, as stated in the planning documents.
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Economic benefits and transport changes
The RFU argues the expansion will bring significant economic benefits to the area. Planning documents state the increase in events will create jobs and boost demand for local accommodation. South Western Railway has agreed to provide additional train services to Twickenham on event days, according to the RFU.
Currently, the 82,000-seat stadium is permitted to host three major non-sporting events annually, with a capacity cap of 55,000. The RFU says the changes are necessary to adapt to financial pressures and fund a planned upgrade of the venue. The new proposal would allow a phased increase in events over three years if approved.
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Local opposition and next steps
A petition opposing the plans has gathered more than 3,000 signatures. Residents have expressed concerns about disruption to daily life, as reported by the BBC. Richmond Council’s planning committee previously rejected an earlier application, asking the RFU to engage more with local residents before resubmitting.
If the council approves the latest application, the number of events would be limited to eight separate concerts or three consecutive events outside the period from May to September. The RFU would still need to secure licensing approval before the plans could be fully implemented. The council has not set a date for its decision.
The uplift in the number of major non-sporting events will also create employment opportunities and demand for visitor accommodation.
RFU planning documents
Questions this report answers
+How much money will the RFU’s plans generate for the local community?
The RFU says the revised plans could generate up to £1 million a year for local community projects. The money would come from facility fees included in ticket prices and would fund a community enhancement fund.
+How many concerts does the RFU want to hold at Twickenham each year?
The RFU wants to hold 15 major non-sporting events each year at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. Currently, the stadium is permitted to host only three such events annually.
+What happens if Richmond Council approves the RFU’s plans?
If Richmond Council approves the plans, the number of concerts would increase in phases over three years. The RFU would still need to secure licensing approval before the full expansion could proceed.
+Why are some residents opposed to the RFU’s plans?
A petition against the plans has gathered more than 3,000 signatures. Residents are concerned about disruption to their daily lives, including noise, transport congestion and the impact of large crowds in the area.
WE FILE
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