Plans for Warrior's Sixways Stadium approved

Shehnaz KhanWest Midlands
News imageJunction 6 Ltd An artist's impression showing Sixways from a square in front of the stadium with people walking and talking. In the foreground two children are playing.Junction 6 Ltd
Warriors said the redevelopment of the Sixways north stand would increase capacity

Plans for a major multi-million-pound redevelopment of Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium have been approved by the council.

The scheme will see the expansion of the north stand to increase the rugby's ground's capacity, as well as a new 130-room hotel, a medical and sports rehabilitation centre and a padel club.

Wychavon District Council said it was delighted for the club and its fans and the fact the plans would provide a boost to local businesses.

Director of Sixways Oliver Holland, said it had been "quite a long journey" and they wanted to make the club more sustainable.

He told the BBC they were excited to have "finally got it over the line".

"It's a mixed-use masterplan that's centered around trying to bring people to Sixways," Holland added.

"There are some elements that are designed purely to bring income to the club, to make sure that it's sustainable for the future."

News imageGetty Images A rugby stadium at night viewed from the pitch, lit up by floodlights. Seats in the stand are coloured to spell out "WARRIORS".Getty Images
Worcester Warriors returned to their home ground in September

The proposals, which were submitted at the end of 2024, also include a multi-storey car park, EV charging for cars and a replacement sports pitch.

The Warriors returned to their home ground in September last year, two years after the club went into administration and was banned from the Premiership.

Christopher Holland, the club's executive chairman, said he began the process of restoring the club to professional rugby in November 2023.

He said the redevelopment scheme was a "major milestone" and "transformative step forward," which provided the foundation for a financially sustainable future.

"The Sixways masterplan will introduce facilities and complementary uses that reduce reliance on matchday income and shareholder funding, and establishes the stadium site as a year-round destination for sport, health, and industry," he added.

"It provides the platform required for Worcester Warriors to grow, compete, and thrive at the highest level possible"

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