Residents living near the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham have collected a 3,000-signature petition against Rugby Football Union (RFU) plans to host up to 15 major non-sporting events annually at the 82,000-capacity venue, warning of 'traffic mayhem' and a 'wall of noise' that would disrupt their community.
The RFU has applied to Richmond Council for permission to increase the number of non-sporting events from the current three per year, with a capacity cap of 55,000, to up to 15 events with a weekday capacity of 75,000. The proposal is part of the RFU's strategy to generate additional income from the stadium, which is the largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world.
Residents voice concerns over noise and traffic
Local residents, some living as close as 50 metres from the stadium, told Metro that the increased traffic and noise levels on event days would be unacceptable. Ann Manser, a pensioner who has lived near the stadium for over 20 years, said: 'I think this is going to be bad for us living here in terms of the traffic and the noise. There have been big gigs in the stadium before, like the Rolling Stones, and noise does really carry out of the stadium during those events. These new plans will obviously be events for megastars as the capacity is so big.'
Manser contrasted the behaviour of rugby crowds with that of concertgoers: 'It's not the same during the rugby for some reason – there is no huge noise from the fans, it seems to be contained. We are also used to the rugby crowds, who are very well behaved. But this would be a different thing altogether. We don't know what the events would be and what the crowds would be like. There would also be traffic mayhem on the roads, it's inevitable.' She added: 'This is all about the stadium making more money. There are no big incentives for locals being offered.'
Long-term residents and renters feel the strain
Trevor Smith, who has lived near the stadium for decades, said locals already struggle with rugby match days. 'I think more events would be too much, it would be a nightmare,' he told Metro. 'It's going to be a wall of noise and more congestion on the roads, I don't think it's fair on us locals. On match days as it is, people can't get their cars out. I think it would be unfair for us to have to put up with huge crowds for concerts and the like. We don't even know what the nature of the events would be, but I'm assuming big concerts. Maybe they should give locals free tickets to get them onside and give more incentive to back the plan.'
Jan, a renter who lives near the stadium, echoed those concerns: 'We are used to rugby crowds, but I think having more other events than the three now would be too much. When there is a rugby match, people like me just generally stay in as it's chaos when you go out. I don't think it's fair to effectively consign people to their homes for more days.'
Mum of three fears anti-social behaviour
A mother of three who lives in a close opposite the stadium said: 'It will be very disruptive to have big gigs in the stadium. The area becomes so rowdy when there are events. The rugby crowds are generally very good, but even with them you get some litter and minor anti-social behaviour. To have fans of big bands here, the vibe may be different and there would be more problems. And once the events are approved, there is no going back.'
Some locals see benefits
However, not all residents are against the plans. Elizabeth Rhodes told Metro she thinks the stadium is underused: 'I'm not against having more events there, it's a big venue and it may boost the local community.' The stadium, which has been on the Twickenham site since 1909 and was rebuilt starting in the 1990s, is currently sponsored by insurance company Allianz.
RFU promises jobs and community investment
The RFU has said the extra events will boost local employment and contribute part of the extra revenue to community projects. According to the RFU, the proposals could generate up to £28,500,000 a year in additional local spending, support thousands of jobs, and create an estimated 400 new jobs locally. The RFU also plans to put £1,000,000 of the extra money into community projects and has offered to ensure extra train services run to Twickenham on event days to ease traffic.
An RFU spokesperson said: 'The proposals submitted to Richmond Council would bring more world-class artists and entertainment to Twickenham, generate up to £28,500,000 a year in additional local spending, support thousands of jobs and contribute to Richmond's Growth Plan by strengthening the borough's economy and cultural offer. They would also generate vital additional income to reinvest in Allianz Stadium and rugby, helping to fund stadium improvements and secure the long-term future of the venue and the game.'
The spokesperson added: 'Any increase in the number of events would take place through a careful, phased approach, with progression dependent on demonstrating to Richmond Council, South Western Railway, the Metropolitan Police and other local stakeholders that the impacts are being effectively managed. More than 100 local residents have already written to Richmond Council in support of the proposals, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the council, residents and other stakeholders throughout the planning process.'
Council says no decision yet
A spokesperson for Richmond Council said: 'The RFU has submitted a planning application relating to non-sporting events at the stadium. This is currently out for public consultation, allowing residents and local businesses the opportunity to have their say as part of the planning process. The plans will be considered through the normal planning process, including a full assessment of noise, transport and the impact on local residents and local businesses, among other considerations. No decision has been made.'
