Stadium for Bath across the line with application

Bath Rugby’s application for a new stadium on The Rec in Bath has finally been approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council, although one final review still remains.

The application for a new 18,000-seat, state-of-the-art stadium was approved on Wednesday 17th September at the B&NES Planning Committee meeting. The decision will now be reviewed by the Secretary of State, acting as a planning TMO, with the possibility of an inquiry into whether the scheme should be approved.

The decision brings to an end a lengthy process – approaching 10 years – to gain approval from the Local Planning Authority.

The application received no objections from statutory consultees including UNESCO World Heritage, Historic England and the Environment Agency.

Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive, said, “This decision is a landmark moment for Bath Rugby and the city. It enables us to move forward with delivering a stadium that will transform the matchday experience for fans, provide world-class facilities for women’s rugby and schools, and create a venue with year-round community use. Importantly, the design regenerates the riverside, protects views of our beautiful city, and incorporates significant sustainability measures.

“We would like to thank the Council, statutory consultees, stakeholders, and the thousands of supporters and residents who engaged with us throughout this process. We have been humbled by the overwhelming weight of support for redevelopment. This has been a true team effort, and we are proud to turn the page on this next chapter in Bath Rugby’s long history at The Rec.”

Bath Rugby Foundation CEO, Lynne Fernquest, added, “The Rec has always been the beating heart of Bath. For generations it has been a place where our community has come together to celebrate rugby. With this redevelopment, it can also be the place where every child in this city finds belonging, opportunity, and hope. This isn’t just a stadium project – it’s an investment in the futures of thousands of young people who deserve more.”

The approved proposal includes:

• A purpose-built stadium to host a range of sporting, leisure and cultural events
• Enhanced riverside public realm
• Enhanced Travel Plan, including updated Park & Ride facilities, new cycle provision, and signage
• Enhanced CCTV provision on riverside
• Provision of a Changing Places facility in new North Stand
• Public WiFi
• A new service vehicle entrance to North Parade
• A 96% natural grass pitch with a small number of reinforcement fibres which will be recycled at their end of life

Pending approval from the Secretary of State, it is hoped that the Stadium for Bath project will boost city-centre trade in the long term.

CEO of Bath Business Improvement District, Allison Herbert, said, “The positive decision is good news for businesses in Bath who benefit from the fans both local and visiting the city from further afield.”