Bath Rugby are issuing a rallying call to supporters and those interested in plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium at The Rec to submit their comments on the project.
The Blue, Black and Whites are looking to redevelop the club's historic home in the heart of the city since 1894 with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire Bath community.
An amended application which reflects valuable feedback from the public, key stakeholders, and Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), was submitted at the end of December, with the public now able to comment via the Council’s planning portal as from today (Thursday 9 January) until Saturday 8 February 2025.
Here’s how to make comments:
1. Click the link below (or copy it into your search engine i.e. Google): https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/comment.html?refval=23%2F03558%2FEFUL
2. Click on the ‘start now’ tab to submit a new comment
3. The club invites supporters and members of the public to select ‘Support the application’ and click continue
4. Add your comment and click continue
5. Enter your postcode or, if you are not local use ‘Can I search another way’ and add your address manually and click continue
6. Add your contact information and click continue
7. Submit your comment
The submission documents can be found here
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.
"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," said Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby.
"The amended submission showcases an exciting vision for the future, with significant public benefits that will positively contribute to the entire community.”
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 in the stadium 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
For more information, please visit the dedicated Stadium for Bath page on the Bath Rugby website