Fresh proposals to address road issues and bad behaviour
RFU needs gigs to pay for £660m Twickenham upgrade
The Rugby Football Union is hopeful that a proposed overhaul of Twickenham rail station and the deployment of undercover police officers on matchdays will help to sway opponents of plans to host more concerts to pay for the £660m stadium upgrade.
The union is seeking to increase the number of non-sporting events held at Twickenham each year from three to 15 in order to pay for the stadium overhaul, but it encountered a roadblock last year when Richmond council expressed “significant concerns” over transport links. The council also determined in October that a limit of three concerts – and only one not on a Saturday – would remain as part of its new licence amid considerable opposition from residents.
On Tuesday, the RFU will seek to convince residents at a drop-in session where new plans will be revealed. It is understood they include a revamp of Twickenham station which could double the number of passengers per train and the presence of “plain clothes officers” – including a mix of police and stewards – and the introduction of “civil enforcement officers” in an effort to tackle antisocial behaviour.
