ALLIANZ STADIUM SUBMITS NEW APPLICATION FOR EXTRA ‘MAJOR NON-SPORTING EVENTS’
The RFU has submitted a revised planning application on behalf of Allianz Stadium for permission to host up to 15 major ‘non-sporting’ events each year, we can disclose.
The full application, which can be seen on the Richmond Borough website includes assessments for impact on traffic, the environment, noise, air pollution and bio-diversity as well as a compehensive analysis of the positive impact on the local economy through extra events and attendees.
The RFU wants to revamp Allianz Stadium under ambitious plans to improve transport links, reduce capacity to improve spectator comfort as well as stage up to 15 concerts a year.
Only last week Brentford Football Club’s GTECH stadium submitted proposals allowing the club to host six live music events each year and Twickenham faces major competiton from other venues like the Emirates, Wembley, the 02, Tottenham in attracting major revenue-generating acts.
It is currently only allowed to put on three concerts a year, each with a capacity of 55,000 but want Twickenham to be able to host more big-name concerts to help fund redevelopment work.
The application states: “On behalf of our client, Rugby Football Union (‘the Applicant’), please find enclosed an application for full planning permission for the site known as the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, TW2 7BA (‘the Site’).”
A decision on the latest application is expected on October 6 this year. The RFU has hinted that if it is unable to generate more fevenue through extra events it will have no choice to explore opportunities move England rugby’s historic and famous HQ to elsewhere.
The Description of Development for the full planning application is as follows:
“Application to allow for up to 8 Major Non-Sporting events comprising a total of 15 Major Non-Sporting Event Days per annum.”
The application has been submitted via the Planning Portal (ref: PP-14997016) which is available on the Richmond planning website.
Part of the application says: “This Study presents the current and potential future economic and social impacts associated with the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) operations at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
“The Stadium’s existing operations make a significant impact – from the local to national scale – and align with strategic socio-economic ambitions and priorities in its home borough of Richmond-upon-Thames (LBRuT), as well as those of the wider Greater London Authority (GLA) and UK government.
“The events held at Allianz Stadium generate a significant proportion of the RFU’s revenue and allow investment in the game at all levels, from local community clubs to the elite men’s and women’s national teams.
“Beyond its role as the RFU’s most visible asset and the home of England’s national rugby teams, this makes it a critical financial driver to support the growth of the game and the delivery of the RFU’s objectives, from the grassroots to the professional level.
“The profits generated by Allianz Stadium are used to promote the RFU’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship, and enable the organisation to invest in all forms of the game.
“The events and activities that it hosts and facilitates make it a significant driver of economic, social and sporting impact locally in LBRuT, across London and beyond.
“As such, the RFU has developed a clear strategy for investment, to ensure that Allianz Stadium remains at the forefront of the sports and entertainment market.
“The proposed Stadium Masterplan seeks to increase non-sporting event capacity to 75,000 attendees alongside proposals to hold up to 15 non-sporting events a year, an
increase from the current maximum of 3 such events, each capped at 55,000 attendees.
“This will generate substantial economic benefits in the local area and, importantly, enable re-investment into rugby across the country as well as directly into wider local community and charitable projects in Twickenham and across LBRuT.
The submission which also incudes a selection of correpondence objecting to the plans and support of the plans also states: “The RFU is a high-profile organisation contributing £90m annually to the local economy supporting over 1,200 jobs.
“It plays a key role in promoting the social and wellbeing of residents in Richmond and Hounslow. Its plans to expand non-sporting events provide an opportunity to increase its local economic impact and support a wider programme of social investment.
“This could add another £10m to £25m in GVA annually to LBRuT and Hounslow. Moreover, through the proposed Business Charter and a Community Enhancement Fund there will be the opportunity for Richmond’s businesses and residents to directly share in the future success of the Stadium.”
This is a great idea to help maximise its economical potential. I lived in St Margaret’s and there were often concerts at the stadium. The impact was minimal and similar to match days except they were in the evening which impacted us less. It would be a huge benefit to local residents who would not have to travel far to attend these events. England rugby has been at the heart of Twickenham for many many years and has supported the game from grass roots up. Worryingly, the alternative could be the stadium becoming financially unviable and sold to developers instead. That would be huge loss to Twickenham and surrounding areas including jobs and support for local businesses.