Twickenham stadium on schedule for grand opening

Developers behind the Twickenham Rugby stadium’s £105m South Stand are optimistic that the scheme is running to schedule and will be completed for the autumn internationals on 5 November, when England host New Zealand.

The Rugby Football Union said it was hopeful the building will be ready in time for the all-important game.

Chief executive Francis Baron said: “Fingers crossed we are still on track to complete the bowl in time. As with all projects problems emerge, but I am confident it will be ready.”

The scheme, which was granted planning consent on 1 December 2004, will increase stadium capacity from 75,000 to 82,000. There are also plans to build a 156-bed four-star hotel and a performing arts centre. However the project has hit delays and will come in slightly over its £105m budget.

Mowlem has been the main contractor on the scheme with the project team including architect Ward McHugh Associates, structural, infrastructure and building services engineer Arup and quantity surveyor Stace. RFU appointed consultant Capita Symonds to project manage the redevelopment project.

The RFU has a back-up plan if all fails. It would, however be highly embarrassing if the stand was not ready in time for the international game. The RFU had to win a court battle with the clubs in order to stage the game after organising it against the wishes of Premier Rugby.