Northampton Saints announce stadium expansion plans
by Tom Walker | 22 Sep 2011
Northampton Saints rugby club has confirmed the plans and timeline for the development of its Franklin's Gardens stadium in the town.
The new North Stand will transform Franklin's Gardens into a wraparound arena and will complete 10-year redevelopment project of the venue.
Designed by Peter Haddon Partnership, the new North Stand will see the capacity of Franklin's Gardens increasing to around 15,500 and also includes 10 corporate hospitality boxes, a function suite that can seat up to 270 people, a stadium control room and television studio, a ground floor bar for supporters and full facilities for disabled fans.
Work on the development is due to be completed by summer 2013.
The Saints originally announced draft plans for a new North Stand in May 2009. Those plans included replacing the Sturtridge Pavilion with a new stand and increasing the venue's capacity to more than 17,000.
The plans confirmed now have been amended from those of just two years ago.
Saints chair Leon Barwell said: "The expansion of Franklin's Gardens is crucial in the long-term development of the club and we want to make sure we do it right."
"We believe that the new plans suit our needs perfectly. They still represent the biggest single increase in capacity in the club's history and when we are filling the seats week in, week out, we will be in the top five clubs in Europe in terms of average attendances at our regular home ground.
"We believe that a 15 thousand stadium packed to capacity is better than 20 thousand capacity arena that is only half-full or two-thirds full. It creates a better atmosphere that the team can thrive off and means we can continue our tradition of providing a big match experience that lives long in the memory.
Earlier this month (September 5 2011), business analysts Deloitte listed Northampton Saints as being the 11th biggest rugby club in Europe in terms of financial turnover, and 8th biggest in terms of average attendance.
Northampton Saints rugby club has confirmed the plans and timeline for the development of its Franklin's Gardens stadium in the town. The new North Stand will transform Franklin's Gardens into a wraparound arena and will complete 10-year redevelopment project of the venue. Designed by Peter Haddon Partnership, the new North Stand will see the capacity of Franklin's Gardens increasing to around 15,500 and also includes 10 corporate hospitality boxes, a
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