Planning permission was sought in 2002 and received in December 2004 for a new South Stand to raise capacity to 82,000 , together with a hotel and conference centre , with redevelopment commencing in June 2005 . The RFU 's revised application to build the new south stand at £ 80 million was unanimously approved by Richmond Council 's planning committee on 2 December . As well as increasing the stadium 's capacity to 82,000 , the redevelopment introduced a four-star Marriott hotel with 156 rooms and six VIP suites with views over the field , a performing arts complex , a health and leisure club , open a new rugby shop and also increase the current function space . On Sunday 10 July 2005 the south stand was demolished to make way for the new development . The festivities that were planned for the implosion of this end of the stadium were cancelled in the wake of the 7 July terror attacks in the centre of London . The new seating , which had been started by Mowlem , was completed by Carillion on 5 November 2006 in time for the England vs New Zealand game of the 2006 Autumn internationals series , in which England lost in a near-record defeat
7 July terror attacks
7 July 2005 London bombings
Twickenham Stadium