An architectural practice has revealed an “alternative vision” for how a new stadium on the Recreation Ground in Bath could look.
A visualisation of the alternative stadium from above | Image © Apollodorus Architecture / Jakub Ryng
Earlier this year, Bath Rugby revealed its proposals to redevelop the current stadium at the site and is preparing to submit a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Apollodorus Architecture, a practice based in London with links to Bath, has prepared a ‘Counter Project’, which includes the additional redevelopment of Bath Sports and Leisure Centre.
The designs, which are historically styled and have links to Roman architecture, present a “fresh approach to the conundrum that the site poses”.
Street-level access into the arena from Johnstone Street | Image © Apollodorus Architecture / Jakub Ryng
Speaking about the proposals, architect Mark Wilson Jones said: “The longstanding question of whether to build a permanent rugby stadium by the bank of the river Avon in Bath is topical once more now that Bath Rugby has published yet another proposal en route to a fresh planning application.
“The existing temporary stadium and adjacent areas have shortcomings that are obvious to anyone who knows Bath.
“Connections to the rest of the city are poor; the arbitrary and impenetrable junction between the stadium and the 1970s leisure centre thwarts access from the river to the open green of the ‘Rec’ (Recreation Ground) on the other side.
How the stadium would look from the Recreation Ground | Image © Apollodorus Architecture / Jakub Ryng
“Unsatisfactory as this situation is, Bath Rugby’s proposals threaten to make these problems worse. They would become permanent rather than temporary.
“Developing the stadium on its own, and not together with the leisure centre, would torpedo any possibility of a happier long-term future for the area.
“Our architectural practice has been independently preparing a Counter Project for some time (before the current proposals in fact). Initially, we simply sought to satisfy a ‘what if’ curiosity.
“But as ideas took shape, we found ourselves wondering if they might warrant sharing.
“We are not anti-rugby, nor anti-development. Indeed, we are supportive of both – provided proposals do justice to the site, and its setting in a World Heritage city that is loved by many more than just its lucky inhabitants. Our Counter Project aims to secure lasting value, both for Bath Rugby and for Bath as a whole.”
The redesigned Leisure Centre with the arena in the distance | Image © Apollodorus Architecture / Jakub Ryng
“One key to unlocking the site’s potential is planning the stadium in conjunction with the leisure centre. Another is using an oval and not a rectangle for the stadium.
“The Romans invented the oval for spectacles, so the choice seems apt given the city’s Romano-British origins. An oval has less bulk than a rectangle serving the same capacity (we aim to roughly match the 18,000 of Bath Rugby’s latest scheme), and no hard corners.
“The curving structure of the proposed amphitheatre can merge organically with its context, as do Bath’s Georgian crescents, softening the impact on critical views to and from the enclosing hills.”
Speaking earlier this year, Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: “After decades of conversation, we are confident the plans we will submit this summer will both excite and reassure the people of Bath.
“Our club, your club, is the heart of our city and now is the time to bring a stadium that will service world-class men’s and women’s rugby, and our community, all year-round.”
The architectural practice’s website features more information on their counter project, as well as further comments on the plans revealed in May.
Bath Rugby has been approached for comment.
