THE BIG INTERVIEW: James Budd, KSS Director, discusses Twickenham’s East Stand redevelopment

In this latest interview, we hear from James Budd, Director at KSS, on the mammoth East Stand redevelopment at Twickenham, home to England Rugby.

The multi-million pound redevelopment offers six floors of creative event space, providing unexpected and dynamic settings that go far beyond a simple conference or banqueting space. With the arrival of the East Stand, Twickenham Stadium can now host even more events, ranging from an intimate private dining experience in a private members club setting, to an informal 1,000 capacity drinks reception, all at the same time.

The East Stand extension is the first significant redevelopment of Twickenham Stadium since the South Stand was completed in 2008, and provides over 11,000sqm of hospitality and debenture space for 6,800 premium ticket holders.

Although the stadium capacity remains at 82,000, the new facilities provide a major expansion of the existing hospitality and conferencing operation, and a much wider range of food and beverage offers in far more comfortable surroundings.

Each level is distinctive in its design with rugby themes subtly embedded, celebrating and bringing to life the unique aspects of the home of England Rugby, and delivering a truly bespoke hospitality experience.

A total of over 6,700sqm of versatile, contemporary event space has been added to the venue. Its new facilities include:

The East Wing
A contemporary space reminiscent of a private members club, that demonstrates sophistication without stuffiness. Alongside four private terraces with both pitch-side views and outdoor access, it has four individual private dining areas that can accommodate up to 30 guests for a relaxed lounge environment or formal private table setting and 800 covers for the whole restaurant. The space can host up to 400 for a bespoke and exclusive drinks reception.

The Gate
A modern, simple, but exquisite chop-house style restaurant, complete with low-lighting and open brickwork. The space offers a dedicated meat store and separate wine room. For a banquet (restaurant-style) The Gate can also host 550.

The Union Ale House
This expansive space on level one, focuses on providing a relaxed onsite pub setting with capacity for 300 for informal celebrations, drinks receptions and parties. Meetings can also take place for up to 170 guests.

The Lock
A larger space that may resonate with clients as a more traditional event setting. The venue is divided into two – The Lock No. 4 and No. 5 – and overlooks the pitch. It is well-suited to hosting gala dinners, awards and parties, with each space able to cater for a 900-capacity reception or 550-capacity dinner.

The Clubhouse
This space is similarly split into two, with the first area offering restaurant facilities, and the Clubhouse Bar providing a 1350-capacity room adorned with contemporary wood, leather and metallic finishes.

British Airways Rose Garden
A fun and lively roof terrace with an ‘outdoors feel’. It can accommodate up to 550 people and embraces the popular street-food phenomenon by using a stone-baked pizza oven and rotisserie.

KSS, the lead architect, worked closely with The RFU, Keith Prowse, Compass, Wildfire London and Willmott Dixon to deliver this iconic project.

The new East Stand spaces are sold exclusively as England Rugby Hospitality by the Rugby Football Union, and long-standing official partner Keith Prowse.

#Hospitality #EnglandRugby

KSS is a longstanding and highly valued VIP Sponsor of Sports Venue Business (SVB). For further information on their award-winning architecture and design services, simply click on their banner advert below…

KSS will be both exhibiting (stand #7) and speaking at ALSD International – Europe’s one and only event dedicated to the Premium/VIP/Club Seat & Hospitality sector – taking place at Croke Park Stadium this October, where experts from across Europe and North America will be providing insights on how to increase revenues through new builds, renovations and service expansions, as well as via the latest F&B and technology offerings.

#ALSDInternational – Europe’s leading event dedicated to the Premium/VIP/Club Seat & Hospitality sector

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