Following extensive consultation with residents and representatives of the City regarding its proposals to regenerate the riverside between Pulteney Bridge and North Parade and create a new, world-class community and sporting stadium at the Rec; Stadium for Bath is pleased to announce final revisions to the detailed design[1] stage, ahead of a planning submission which it is hoped will be made early in the New Year.
Key design changes include:
- Overall height reduction of 5.1m
- 550 space car park providing blueprint for electric vehicle usage in the city
- Mature trees retained along riverside with enhanced public realm design
- Enhancements to West, East and North stands which maintain views to local landmarks including St Mary’s Church, Bathwick and the hills beyond
- State of the art hybrid playing surface available for use all year round
Throughout the process the project team have sought feedback from a broad range of stakeholders regarding this unique project including local residents close to the Rec. In particular, the team have consulted extensively with B&NES officers, Historic England and the Environment Agency along with other statutory stakeholders, and Bath Preservation Trust.
If given permission, the new 18,000 capacity stadium will not only retain Premiership rugby in the heart of the City but provide huge economic and citywide benefits. The development will also create hundreds of new jobs in construction, operations and hospitality and offer a multi-million pound boost to the city’s economy per annum through visitor spending.
Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive commented: “For 125 years we have played our rugby at the Rec. This project is about the next 125 years and beyond.
“Keeping sport in the heart of the city is the catalyst for this project, but we are also incredibly proud of the opportunity to regenerate the riverside creating an amazing place for everyone to enjoy; of the significant social legacy we will build through the delivery of education and employment programmes being run on the site every day of the year and of the opportunity to promote grass roots community sport.
“We are passionate about the potential to support electric vehicle take-up in Bath; and of the significant boost Stadium for Bath will bring to our local economy.
We have taken time to revisit and challenge every aspect of the design philosophy and to review how best to draw on Bath’s amazing architectural heritage – in particular its World Heritage Outstanding Universal Values – and we look forward to submitting a planning application which we hope will be early in the new year.”
SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSPORT
Bath and North East Somerset Council are committed to reducing air pollution and congestion in the City, whilst continuing to support a thriving local economy. In order to achieve their objectives significant investment is required in traffic management measures, including electric vehicles.
Stadium for Bath will not increase parking spaces in the city, it will maintain city parking provision at current levels accounting for reductions at other sites such as Avon Street, with the benefit of reduced cross city traffic from spaces located nearer to the eastern approaches.
The concealed under-pitch car park located conveniently close to the city centre, yet outside the historic core will support the vitality of Bath’s economy, and the longer-term opportunity for pedestrianisation.
Importantly the car park will include the infrastructure to promote the opportunity for growth in electric car ownership for Bath residents by more than doubling the daytime city centre electric vehicle charging provision. In addition, charge points will also be made available overnight for local residents such as those living in flats currently using on-street parking.
Stadium for Bath is also committed to providing extensive accessible spaces and provision for bicycles including shower and changing facilities for a dedicated cycling commuter club that will be launched when the stadium opens.
NEXT STEPS
Stadium for Bath intends to submit its Planning Application to Bath & North East Somerset Council early in the New Year. Once submitted, members of the public will be able to comment directly to the Council on the application.
For more information visit www.stadiumforbath.com
An accurate artist impression of the new stadium can be downloaded here.