The London borough of Richmond has unanimously approved the £70m redevelopment of Twickenham rugby stadium’s south spectator stand.

The scheme will centre around increasing the stadium’s capacity by 7,500 to 82,000 and spectators will, for the first time, be able to watch from all around the stadium thanks to the extension.

This latest redevelopment will also mark the completion of the stadium building programme that began in the early nineties.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2005 after the rugby season has finished and be completed by 2007.

The redevelopment will be fully financed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), while other development plans will include a 200-room hotel with conference and exhibition facilities, a 400-seat performing arts centre for local community use, a health and fitness club and a new store to sell England rugby merchandise.

Leader of Richmond Council, Tony Arbour, said: “This exciting scheme is of national and international importance as the stadium is the home of English rugby, a showpiece ground which focuses the eyes of the rugby world. The redevelopment will ensure it becomes truly fit for the world champions.”

The scheme – which will create a stadium better able to cope with the increased number of rugby supporters following England’s victory in the 2003 World Cup in Australia – will now go to the government office for London and Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, for approval. Details: www.rfu.com