Bath Rugby to speed up opening of new stadium
Bath Rugby Club has submitted a planning amendment which seeks approval for an accelerated construction plan for the new stadium — a move that will shorten the overall construction period to approximately 18 months (from 24 months).
The redevelopment of The Rec remains on track to commence construction in 2027, with the aim of completing the new facility and home for the start of the 2028/29 season.
The stadium designs — which were approved at planning committee last year — set out a phased construction over three seasons whilst the club continues to play rugby at The Rec, with the goal of maintaining home advantage, matchday rituals for supporters and retaining all the wider economic benefits for the city.
In an update recently issued to supporters, Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby, said, “We are also acutely aware of the impact of construction on nearby residents, and that shortening the duration of construction work would help to mitigate this impact. This has been a focus for our project team over recent months.”
The improved timeline will be achieved by commencing the construction of the new East Stand first, where this was previously programmed to follow construction of the West Stand. The overall design remains exactly as per the planning approval received last year.
Alternate ground
To facilitate this improved timeline, the club will need to create a slightly longer off-season in summer 2027 by taking the last two regular games of the 2026/27 season ‘on the road’ to an alternate ground.
This means that planned home fixtures against Harlequins and Saracens in Rounds 16 and 18 of the Gallagher PREM will be played away from The Rec to facilitate the commencement of construction work on the stadium, including the relocation of the pitch almost 25 metres into The Rec in time for the 2027/28 season.
Tarquin added, “We are in discussion with alternative host venues and we will update you once the location for these fixtures is confirmed. Our goal is to minimise disruption as far as possible, and we hope that you will all join us and help make these fixtures a proper home away from home. If any of our Season Ticket Holders are unable to attend at the alternate ground we will, of course, credit your account accordingly.”
The club will be communicating more regularly with the local community throughout the 2026/27 season and expects to begin speaking with season ticket holders regarding their seats in the new stadium (season 2028/29 onwards) and during the build season (2027/28) early in 2027.
An update will be issued no later than December 2026.
Pictured: CGI of Bath Rugby’s proposed new 18,000-seat stadium at The Rec
