Stadium for Bath, the project that brings together Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby Foundation and Arena 1865, is calling on local residents to have their say on the regeneration of the riverside in Bath.
Redevelopment of Bath Rugby’s current stadium is the catalyst for the project, which offers a unique and timely opportunity to regenerate the riverside in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Rec.
This important part of the city centre, which has been long overlooked has the potential to become a vibrant new leisure destination for residents and visitors of Bath, with the added opportunity for improving access to the area from the city centre.
Bath Rugby’s current stadium at the Rec has for years faced away from the city centre leaving little scope for public realm development.
With the commencement of the Stadium for Bath project, which could see a new rugby stadium and community facilities created on the Rec, new life could also be breathed into the neglected river frontage.
The opportunity comes at a time when Bath is seeing investment in its riverside areas, creating new business hubs, new homes and new public spaces adjacent to one of the city’s greatest assets – the River Avon.
The Bath Quays and Bath Riverside developments are two such projects that when complete will breathe new life into once forgotten parts of the city.
Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby, believes that there is an opportunity to create an exceptional new riverside as part of the Stadium for Bath project and is inviting the people of Bath to have their say.
“Over the past 12-months we’ve been consulting extensively with neighbours and many people across Bath and the resounding feedback has been a sense of optimism and excitement about the opportunity for creating something exceptional in the heart of this unique city.
“Over the coming months we will be accelerating the design process not only for the new stadium but for the riverside too.
“We want people to share with us their aspirations for the area which is such an important part of the city, with the opportunity be a jewel in the city’s crown.
“We would love to see ideas and examples from around the world of truly great riverside regeneration to help us create a place that can be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.”