Work on the new Barwell Stand is set to be finished by the start of next season
Demolition work on a spectator stand has begun at the home of Northampton Saints rugby club.
The Sturtridge Pavilion will be replaced by the Barwell Stand, a move which will increase the capacity of Franklin's Gardens by 1,900 to accommodate more than 15,500 people.
The all-seater stand will include a new hospitality suite, members' bar and improved disability access.
It will be built in time for next season.
The Sturtridge Pavilion has been a feature at the ground for 50 years but the club is keen to expand its revenue from match days after operating at an average of 98% capacity during the past five Premiership seasons.
The new stand also opens up the possibility of Saints hosting a European Champions Cup quarter-final.
To do that, rules state the ground requires a minimum capacity of 15,000.
Northampton Saints have been operating at 98% capacity for the last five years
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