Bath Rugby tweaks stadium design plans

Article posted by Coliseum, January 22^nd, 2025

Image: Bath Rugby

Bath Rugby has submitted amended plans for its new state-of-the-art stadium at The Rec, the club’s historic home since 1894.

Bath Rugby said the amended application reflects valuable feedback from the public, key stakeholders, and Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), addressing technical points identified since the initial submission last year. A planning committee is targeted in the New Year.

Bath Rugby is a professional rugby union club in Bath, Somerset, England (UK). They play in Premiership Rugby, England’s top division of rugby. Founded in 1865 as Bath Football Club, since 1894 the club has played at the 14,509-capacity Recreation Ground in the City Centre.

The club said the new stadium design boasts significant improvements, including lowering the heights of the West and East Stands.

These enhancements are not just aesthetic; they aim to elevate the matchday experience while preserving the unique character of the surrounding area.

Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby, said, “This submission is another important milestone for the club and the city. We’ve listened closely to the community and our stakeholders, as well as the numerous statutory consultees that are invited to comment on planning applications, and we are committed to delivering a stadium that not only meets the needs of our fans but also respects the rich heritage of Bath.

“The amended submission showcases an exciting vision for the future, with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire community. We now look forward to the Council bringing the proposals to a planning committee in the New Year.”

Key benefits of the new stadium design include:

A new curved roof form which reduces the heights, resulting in increased views of the city and surrounding hills
Enhanced landscaping to the river
Redesign of East and West Stand facades
Re-engineered and enhanced seating bowl

The resubmitted plans still retain all the key benefits included in the original application from 2023:

18,000 capacity stadium with significantly enhanced accessibility provisions
Contemporary and sensitive design
Significantly increased community use with new stadium facilities
Regenerated riverside including the new Spring Gardens Walk
Retention of mature trees, as well as further landscaping and bio-diversity measures
A host of sustainability measures to support a target of net zero operational carbon
Riverside café/restaurant, Club shop and museum for non-matchday use

Supporters and the public are now able to comment on the proposals via the Council’s planning portal until Saturday 8 February 2025.

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