Venue wants to hold 15 non-sporting events a year to help bankroll revamp but local council turned it down last year

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is set to submit its revised application to increase the number of concerts held at Twickenham stadium every year later this week.

The RFU wants to revamp the ground, now called the Allianz Stadium, under ambitious plans to improve transport links, reduce capacity to improve spectator comfort as well as stage up to 15 concerts a year.

It is currently only allowed to put on three concerts a year, each with a capacity of 55,000.

Bosses want Twickenham, now called Allianz Stadium, to be able to host more big-name concerts to help fund redevelopment work.

Earlier this month, the RFU, which is chaired by former Wates chairman James Wates, said its revised planning application would be submitted “in the very near future” and was hoping for a decision later this year. If successful, it added, “this will allow us to host our first additional events in summer 2027”.

Building understands the application is due to be submitted to Richmond council by Friday (29 May).

Its previous plan was turned down last October with the authority only allowing the stadium to extend the hours of smaller events.

A host of consultants including project manager RLB, architect Populous and QS T&T Alinea are working on the masterplan to redevelop the ground.

Called the Stadium Masterplan Project, others working on the scheme include transport and civils consultant WSP, fire engineer Arup, planning consultant DP9, M&E engineer Griffiths Evans, landscape architect Planit and buildability consultant JDP London. Simply CDM is the principal designer.

The estimated cost of the work has been put at £663m with the RFU having originally wanted to start work after the 2027 Six Nations championship.