Ravenhill gets planning permission for upgrade

Ulster Rugby has welcomed Northern Ireland Executive Environment Minister Alex Atwood’s decision to grant planning permission for redevelopment work at Ravenhill Grounds.

The work will see a planned increase in the capacity of Ravenhill to approximately 18,200.

The new, larget capacity will mean Ravenhill will be capable of hosting a RaboDirect PRO12 final or Heineken Cup quarter-final match.

Ravenhill, which is owned by the IRFU, is one of the more old-fashioned grounds and has seen relatively little change since it was built in 1923.

A new stand and an upgraded terrace were added in 2009.

In March 2011 it was announced that Ulster Rugby would be granted up to £14.7m to redevelop the ground.

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Shane Logan said: "A modern, fit-for-purpose and spectator-friendly stadium will enhance Ulster Rugby’s standing and will assist the development of the sport from the grassroots through to international levels."

The construction work at Ravenhill will take a phased approach and the ground will continue to host matches with a slightly reduced capacity.

Building is scheduled to begin at the end of 2012.