Latest – Green light for East Stand plans

Worcester Warriors have today been given the green light to continue the transformation of Sixways Stadium after planning permission was issued by Wychavon District Council for an £8million extension of the existing East Stand.

Club officials announced ambitious plans last month to create the ‘best development in club rugby across Europe’ with the multi-million pound proposed extension and development of the East Stand, which includes work in the North East corner of the stadium.

The new proposals by Warriors – who will work with Slick Developments on the new East Stand development – have now been passed by local planners as the latest phase in the exciting Sixways revolution draws closer.


The new East Stand will back onto the proposed Esporta site and is based on extending the existing structure, boasting a state-of-the-art cantilever roof which means there will be no support pillars and no restricted views. The plans include 120metres of new pitch side hospitality with corporate boxes, lounges and function rooms, balconies and bars, a mouth-watering  pitch view restaurant and a new Business Club that will allow all of the West Midland businesses to network and socialise in the region’s premier rugby hospitality. The stand will also grow to increase the stadium capacity to 12,000.


The planned new development in the North East corner of the stadium will become the focal point of the entire complex with an expansive main reception, accessible ticket office and a spacious retailing opportunity on the ground floor.


Chairman Cecil Duckworth revealed work on the East Stand could start as early as the end of April and throughout the summer with minimum disruption to fans.


“We’re delighted that the plans have been accepted by the local authority as it will take our facilities a quantum leap forward,” he said. “The plan is for work to start very soon with the new extended stand in place for the beginning of next season. The new East Stand will house 6,000 Warriors supporters and the noise and atmosphere will be electric.


“Naturally we have been disappointed that we have run into excessive bureaucracy with the new road system and car parking in recent times, but this will also be in place by next season and give us a wonderful facility here at Sixways.


“We are all very excited about the future with work off the field to improve facilities and work on it with new players like Chris Latham and Hal Luscombe joining us next season. We’re very confident about the future of Worcester Warriors and this decision is another big step forward for us.”


General Manager Charlie Little said planning permission will ensure Sixways becomes a focal point of the region for both rugby and conferencing.


“We’re very pleased that Wychavon District Council and the local community have approved our plans to further enhance the reputation and the facilities that we have here at Sixways and further establish Warriors as a major part of the local area.


“This development supports our main core business of professional rugby and also our non-matchday activity, which will see us become one of the largest venues in Worcestershire.


“These plans are essential to our continued development as a club and business and, alongside planning permission for the North Stand which we already have, it will allow us to grow the capacity at Sixways at the appropriate time to above 15,000.


“We want Worcester Warriors to be a big part of the rugby community and want to create Warriors as an essential part of the local and surrounding area. We are looking at bringing people to Sixways for a great experience, whether that is matchday or non-matchday.


“We are already developing the complex with improved infrastructure network off the M5, the addition of over 1,000 car parking spaces that includes Worcester’s new Park and Ride facility, increased ground capacity and the proposed development of a health and racquet club. We are turning Sixways into a fantastic rugby stadium and conferencing facility that everybody connected with the city and Midlands should be proud of.”


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