Rugby Union club Exeter Chiefs has submitted planning approval to redevelop its Sandy Park stadium in order to increase its capacity to 20,600 visitors and to build a new conference and hospitality suite on the site.
The plans, which have won the recommendation by planning officials at the Exeter City Council, set out the extension of the existing West Stand, building a 1,000-delegate conference suite and creating new permanent stands on the remaining three sides of the stadium.
In 2009, the club was granted permission to increase the stadium’s capacity to 13,956 but only managed to erect temporary stands which increased capacity to 10,744.
Currently the stadium has a nine conference suites, with a capacity of up to 475 delegates.
A final decision will be made next week (29 October) on whether or not to approve the plans.
“The success of the rugby club helps to create a positive image for Exeter and the current proposal is part of the club’s strategy to continue moving forward and consolidate their position within the Premier League,” said a statement from the planning officers. “This can only be of wider benefit to the economy and the image of the city.”
Any conference-related news? Email sarah@mashmedia.net
