Rugby stadium stand tackled…

Buckingham Group starts work on Saints’ Sturtridge Pavilion.

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.

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