Following an extensive nine-month consultation, Bath Rugby has today launched Stadium for Bath, a flagship project bringing together the Club, Bath Rugby Foundation and Arena 1865.
The partnership combines the joint ambition of delivering a new stadium at the Recreation Ground (the Rec) in the heart of Bath.
In conjunction with the launch, Stadium for Bath today publish a document detailing the opportunity it believes redevelopment at the Recreation Ground presents not only for Bath Rugby but for the wider community and the City of Bath.
The document – which is publicly available via Stadium for Bath’s dedicated website www.stadiumforbath.com – is titled ‘Exploring the Opportunity’ and includes findings from independently facilitated, ‘pre-design’ listening consultation workshops, which took place throughout 2017.
Before designs are produced, the team focused on listening to the thoughts, hopes and concerns of several stakeholder groups regarding redevelopment at the Rec.
These groups included local residents and near neighbours, city representatives, local community groups, technical planning consultees and supporters, including those with accessible needs.
The overall vision for redevelopment; consideration of the unique challenges of the site; thoughts on opportunities offered by redevelopment and the key parameters for the appointment of a lead architect and design team are also included in the document.
Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive at Bath Rugby said: “For most of this year, we have been listening to the people that live and work here in Bath. This is a complex project, of huge importance to all involved and we will get it right if we all work together.
“We now believe there is an opportunity to create something exceptional in the heart of this incredible city. Something which reflects its ambition and rich heritage and is a source of pride and inspiration for everyone.
“At the core of this sits a new stadium at the Rec and a new home for Bath Rugby. However, it is clear that this project is not just about rugby.
“There is a unique opportunity to create a destination which revitalises the riverside, which benefits and enhances the community and encourages healthier living through accessible and inclusive sporting participation.
“We believe that with the right design team we can find a solution which both celebrates and complements Bath, and which ensures that Bath Rugby continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for the city.”
“Today’s announcement closes the door on the previous design proposals, which were presented nearly four years ago. Given the passage of time and the unique location of the Rec, it is only right to look again at the design.”
The Stadium for Bath website will be regularly updated and provide all the latest news, information and consultation details for the project.
Stadium for Bath will appoint a lead architect in the New Year and commence the design journey.
There will be further consultation at each stage of the collaborative design process, and the Club will be proactively inviting views throughout.
