Sixways target developments as Warriors return nears

Worcester Warriors owner Chris Holland has submitted plans to redevelop the wound-up former Premiership club’s Sixways home.

The proposals include a hotel, a medical centre and a commitment to ‘return Warriors to professional rugby’.

Holland confirmed that the plans are now with Wychavon District Council, the local authority on the north side of Worcester.

Proposals also include the redevelopment of the West Stand at Sixways, as well as the temporary North Stand, a multi-storey car park, a golf driving range and a solar farm.

The news comes two years after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) suspended the Premiership rugby club and had the non-playing side of their operation put into administration.

However, Holland now claims that he intends to return professional rugby to Sixways.

He commented, “Junction 6 are committed to return Worcester Warriors to professional rugby and to ensure that Sixways is the centre of excellence for sport, conferences and events in the area.”

The RFU is still deciding which level Warriors will be allowed to play at when they return, continued opposition from Championship clubs towards restructuring plans.

Regardless, Warriors are eying a 2025 return. A new logo and website were revealed earlier this week work has begun on refurbishing the eight-year-old Sixways artificial playing surface.

Holland, who still owns fellow former Premiership side Wasps, first became involved with Warriors during the attempt made by previous owners Jim O’Toole and James Sandford’s Atlas Group to relaunch the club.

Atlas failed to pay back Holland’s £1.5m loan, which meant Holland became the new owner.

Currently Sixways is home only to football – to non-league side Worcester Raiders, who play in the Hellenic League Premier, and Worcester City Women, who play in Division One Midlands.