Principality Stadium to undergo two-phase redevelopment with famous roof set to change beyond recognition
Wales' rugby chief wants to keep the stadium up to date with the standards of two Premier League grounds
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK Principality Stadium to undergo two-phase redevelopment with famous roof set to change beyond recognition
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
WALES' iconic Principality Stadium is set for a major makeover.
The arena was built in 1999 but risks falling behind compared to modern stadium standards.
5
The Principality Stadium is set to be redeveloped
Credit: Getty
5
Solar panels will be added to the roof to cut the cost of energy bills
Credit: Alamy
5
The Principality Stadium was built in 1999
Credit: Getty
5
Wales Rugby have announced a two-phase redevelopment plan
Credit: Getty
5
Wales RFU want the ground to be able to host more international events
Credit: Getty
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney revealed there are plans to renovate the stadium in order to attract international events.
A major change will see solar panels added to the roof to cut the cost of their "huge" energy bills and make the stadium more environmentally friendly.
Tierney revealed there will be two phases to the plan as Wales Rugby seeks to improve hospitality at the ground by attracting new investment.
Tierney told the Welsh Parliament: "What we have is the stadium which acts as an asset in Cardiff where we can bring lots of international events.
"You can't help but realise what an iconic venue it is but it's 25 years old now and there is a real danger of it falling behind in terms of what it offers when you see the most recent example of Everton's new stadium.
"There's lots of coverage around Fulham's new stadium and then you've got Ajax and the stadiums in Spain.
"We are doing two phases. I agree that we need to absolutely catch up and stay ahead of the game to continue to attract world events.
"Firstly I'm going out for procurement for our new partner in terms of delivering our hospitality and events there.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
"We are hoping to announce that in September of this year and our current partnership there is one of the bidders but we are looking for real world class and best in practice examples there.
"So, that's phase one. Also, now we have the finances of the WRU in a much better position we are looking to secure further investment going forward in a much more strategic redevelopment of the stadium that really takes it forward over the next 25 years.
Ireland legend trolls ex-Wales star while celebrating birthday covering Six Nations clash for BBC
"That will be a phase two that will start to come next year and we will be working with our planners to look at that."
The Principality Stadium has a capacity of 74,000 and primarily hosts the Welsh rugby team.
The venue is also used for major concerts, hosting Oasis this summer.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
28 minutes ago
- Leader Live
North West growth plans for planning consultancy firm
Cadnant Planning, based in Pulford, near Wrexham, Conwy and Chester, is one of the industry's most respected firms. With associate planner Sioned Edwards stepping up to become managing director, the future looks bright for the award-winning chartered town planning consultancy. Their team of six has worked with a raft of big names on some of the region's landmark projects including infrastructure developments, leisure operators, further education providers, landowners, commercial developers and leading private housebuilders and RSLs (Registered Social Landlords). Sioned Edwards and Rhys Davies. Alongside founder and director Rhys Davies - who launched the business 20 years ago before rebranding to become Cadnant Planning in 2012 - Sioned is excited to focus on continuing to support existing and new clients in the future on projects across North Wales and into Cheshire, Wirral and across the North West, where they have enjoyed success in past years. "Together we have built up the reputation and client base of the company, and nothing will change from that perspective, but we have taken a long-term view in terms of the future of Cadnant, and I am very excited to step forward into this new role," she said. Read more: Flintshire accountants make move to relocate to former pub "That growth has been organic and happened quite naturally over the last decade, so we are now looking more specifically at new areas, both geographically and in the private and public sectors." Rhys added: "I will still be a director and integral part of the business but it's about looking ahead now, with Sioned leading on that vision and our long-term strategy. "That strategy includes strengthening our presence in Flintshire, Wrexham and over the border, where we have collaborated on some major projects over recent years. Read more: New equity partner announced at leading Wrexham law firm Providing a wide range of services from planning appraisals/strategies, applications, appeals and specialist planning documents such as Welsh language impact assessments to land promotion and expert witness representation, the firm is proud of its Welsh roots and "local values" centred on sustainability, bilingualism and providing opportunities for the next generation of planners. Sioned joined the practice as a graduate 13 years ago and is determined to build on its history while embracing technological and legislative advances in the sector. Read more: Village pub's new owner ready to serve 'warm welcome' to community As she prepared to take her place on the panel at Place North West's sub-regional briefing event earlier this week, she admits there is a need for a more simplified, joined-up approach to the current planning system, given the differences in England and Wales. "There are consultations ongoing via the Welsh Government with regards housing, and there is planning reform in England, but a lot of people are unaware of the big changes ahead and differences in each country," said Sioned. "That is a USP for us, that we are on top of the legislation on both sides of the border and have fed into a task group in Wales looking at affordable housing, another crucial issue given the need for more funding, better infrastructure in rural areas especially, and leadership to provide solutions and identify targets, because at the moment the process is far too complex." Read more: North Wales firm launches paid internship scheme with over 50 jobs up for grabs Looking ahead to the future, she said: "I have been a part of Cadnant from the beginning, so I'm very excited to see where we go from here. "There have been a lot of changes along the way, we have expanded our base at Riverside Business Park and navigated the Covid pandemic - where the breadth of our offering ensured we were relatively unaffected. "Rhys and I have kept moving forward and have been busy throughout. We now have a very strong team at present having been successful in recruiting in a tough market over recent years. Read more: Wrexham business lands Heathrow grant boost "We have a brilliant team here and we're looking to do even more from our Conwy office and from our Pulford base in Wrexham, Flintshire, Chester and beyond - we can't wait for the next chapter." Rhys, says the business is in "very safe hands" and is proud of its legacy. He added: "The business was set up from nothing, initially it was just me in a small office in Conwy, then the two of us and now there is a core team of six across several disciplines - we have worked very hard to establish ourselves over that period. "From this point it will be Sioned driving things forward. I am delighted for her and know Cadnant Planning will continue to go from strength to strength." • For more information email info@
Scottish Sun
33 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Swansea set to have stunning new beachside stadium built with club to leave 21,088-seater current home
The 8,000-seat venue will be built in two phases BEACH LIFE Swansea set to have stunning new beachside stadium built with club to leave 21,088-seater current home Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OSPREYS have unveiled plans for an ambitious makeover of St Helen's stadium. The Swansea-based rugby union side are moving to the beachside venue for next season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Ospreys are preparing to move to a new home later this year Credit: Reuters 3 Plans have been submitted for a makeover of St Helen's on the city beachfront Credit: Osprey Rugby 3 The rugby and cricket venue is located just off the sand Credit: Alamy Ospreys have been sharing with Championship side Swansea City at the 21,088-seater Liberty Stadium. But they are making the switch to St Helen's midway through the 2025/26 campaign. The venue - which hosts both rugby and cricket - is located just metres from the beach in the Welsh city. And the club are planning an ambitious makeover to create an 8,000-seater hub for elite rugby in the region. READ MORE ON SPORT AZT TO CHANGE World Cup stadium looks unrecognisable with cranes on pitch & seats ripped up Phase one of the work will see a 4G pitch installed with a cover built over the existing terrace. Three new stands will then be built, as well as a new fan zone. Following completion of the ground, state-of-the-art training facilities will follow later. Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley said: "This is a vital step toward bringing our long-term vision to life. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "It reflects our belief not only in the transformation of St Helen's, but in the strength of our future, rooted in Swansea and powered by our supporters. "This is about more than new stands or improved facilities. Shocking moment enormous brawl breaks out in rubgy league after 'horrendous hit' "It's a statement of intent about who we are, where we belong, and where we're going. "Our goal is a world-class home for elite rugby, community sport and shared experiences that inspire pride across the region." The plans come despite Ospreys being in dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over funding. Bradley added: "We are still talking with the WRU about the situation and if we were not confident of a positive outcome that would make things a lot more difficult. "The fact we are proceeding full steam ahead with the development does shows a level of confidence." Swansea Cricket Club share the St Helen's site and will remain playing at the venue for the 2025 season. As a result, Ospreys will likely not play at the site until at least December.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Swansea set to have stunning new beachside stadium built with club to leave 21,088-seater current home
OSPREYS have unveiled plans for an ambitious makeover of St Helen's stadium. The Swansea-based rugby union side are moving to the beachside venue for next season. 3 3 3 Ospreys have been sharing with Championship side Swansea City at the 21,088-seater Liberty Stadium. But they are making the switch to St Helen's midway through the 2025/26 campaign. The venue - which hosts both rugby and cricket - is located just metres from the beach in the Welsh city. And the club are planning an ambitious makeover to create an 8,000-seater hub for elite rugby in the region. Phase one of the work will see a 4G pitch installed with a cover built over the existing terrace. Three new stands will then be built, as well as a new fan zone. Following completion of the ground, state-of-the-art training facilities will follow later. Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley said: "This is a vital step toward bringing our long-term vision to life. "It reflects our belief not only in the transformation of St Helen's, but in the strength of our future, rooted in Swansea and powered by our supporters. "This is about more than new stands or improved facilities. Shocking moment enormous brawl breaks out in rubgy league after 'horrendous hit' "It's a statement of intent about who we are, where we belong, and where we're going. "Our goal is a world-class home for elite rugby, community sport and shared experiences that inspire pride across the region." The plans come despite Ospreys being in dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over funding. Bradley added: "We are still talking with the WRU about the situation and if we were not confident of a positive outcome that would make things a lot more difficult. "The fact we are proceeding full steam ahead with the development does shows a level of confidence." Swansea Cricket Club share the St Helen's site and will remain playing at the venue for the 2025 season. As a result, Ospreys will likely not play at the site until at least December.
