The stand will be in place for next season

Tom Walkinshaw said the grandstand development at Kingsholm will have 7,500 seats, taking the capacity from 13,000 to more than 17,500.

"We've been working on a grandstand development for some time now and I'm delighted to confirm it will go ahead in time for the new season," he said.

The plans were approved by the city council last December.

Mr Walkinshaw added: "We're building the team to be the best in the game and we will now have a facility to match it on match-days and throughout the year."

The new stand will replace the existing grandstand. It will also include corporate boxes, a new bar, changing rooms and offices.

In May 2004, the club was also given permission to build a 2,500-seat stand at the Kingsholm Road end of the ground.