Access All AreasA bid by Allianz Stadium Twickenham operators to expand the number of concerts it can stage annually has been turned down.
Stadium owner the Rugby Football Union was hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow London stadium Wembley, whose concert season extension into September has led to it enjoying a record year for concerts.
Currently restricted to hosting just three non-rugby events per year with a capacity of 55,000, compared to 82,000 attendees on rugby match days, Allianz Stadium Twickenham has hosted shows by acts including Depeche Mode, Kaiser Chiefs and Joel Corry.
The RFU submitted a planning application to Richmond Council to expand its license to 15 non-sporting events per year, with a capacity of 75,000, but according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service the council’s licensing committee has decided not to extend the number of major shows at the stadium “for the foreseeable future”.
Ewan McGregor, a solicitor representing the RFU, said, “There is an increasing demand for stadium bowl concerts. The UK is the world capital for these events and, in the UK, London is at the centre. The licence restriction is out of step with the market and, as a consequence, promoters and artists are turning their back on Twickenham.
An RFU spokesperson said, “As always, we remain committed to being the best neighbours we can be – continuing to invest significantly in minimising the impact of major events and actively supporting the local community we are proud to call home.”