By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter with additional reporting by Harry Mottram: A proposed large-scale stadium development at Bath Recreation Ground has sparked significant controversy, citing concerns over its environmental impact, harm to Bath’s heritage, and the reduction of public open space.
The proposed stadium, which includes extensive commercial facilities and is designed to host large-scale events, would fundamentally alter the character of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The development would introduce a modern, oversized structure into a historically sensitive area, significantly impacting key views, the city’s conservation area, and the quality of life for residents.
Leader of the Greens on B&NES Council and councillor for Lambridge, Joanna Wright, adds: “Again, the centre of Bath that was given to the city for public use is under threat from Bath Rugby, who want to build a massive stadium that is overdevelopment and a threat to the historic centre, the Green Party object wholeheartedly to this development.”
BathNES Greens said the scale and design of the proposed stadium are disproportionate for the location. The project threatens to harm key views of Bath’s historic city centre and surrounding green hills, essential elements of its UNESCO World Heritage status. It will also eliminate valuable public recreational space, reducing Bath’s already limited supply of parks and green areas. The stadium’s privately controlled nature would make it less accessible to the general public, undermining the original community purpose of the Recreation Ground.
With hospitality a vital part of the plans there would be a hit on the pubs and cafes nearby plus there will be added noise and disruption for local residents as the new stadium will host events like concerts and tournaments.
Inevitably with an increase in the crowd of up to 18,000 people there will be more traffic congestion, increased pollution, and higher carbon emissions.
Harry Mottram adds: One objector who contacted Bath Voice but wished to remain anonymous as they were frightened by an online backlash said that a private business was taking over a huge chunk of the public park for the benefit of a mainly male sport supported by largely middle class men – many of who don’t live in Bath. It is a view echoed by others on social media.
Steve Osgood from The Friends of Bath Recreation Ground also opposes the plans. He said: “Bath’s Citizens are about to lose a significant part of their public realm. In 1956 the Recreation Ground was sold to the ‘Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Bath’ conditional on it remaining open space for amateur sports and recreation of all kinds. As a signatory to the Agreement, the Council is Guarantor of the use conditions. When Bath Rugby Limited turned professional in 1996 the Council issued a 75 year lease to the company, essentially privatising a significant part of the public realm which excluded amateur games and those activities envisaged by the 1956 sale.”
The planned new stadium will be much higher than the existing one blocking views of the Abbey from the Rec and encroaching several metres into the park taking over more ground by the cricket pitch to the east.
Mr Osgood said he understood the Conservative’s Metro Mayor candidate Steve Smith along with Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse are in favour of the plans despite objections from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as it puts the World Heritage Status of Bath in doubt.
One question raised by the Friends is the money behind the stadium. It is widely reported that the club has liabilities to the tune of around £20m, while its annual revenue is a similar figure. The owner Bruce Craig is according to the Sunday Times Rich List is worth around £300m – he bought the club in 2010 – the terms of which were not disclosed. To build the new stadium will certainly cost many millions – so ask the Friends: where is that money coming from?
Bath Voice News has reported on the expected benefits of the new stadium with its increased community use with new stadium facilities promoted by the club.
The Bath Rugby Foundation continues work with young disadvantaged people and the club hosts the Bath Ladies team as the base for the game is broadened to include young girls and boys. A partnership with local schools is another intiative along with a health programme for improving people’s ‘physical and mental health through sport and education to live a healthy, active lifestyle.’
Plus there is no denying the popularity of Bath Rugby with thousands packing the current stands bringing a boost to the local economy and highlighting the city as a whole to the world via sport.
For details of the stadium visit https://bathrugby.com/stadium-for-bath
For details of The Friends of Bath Recreation Ground visit https://www.friendsofbathrec.org/
To see all planning applications including those of Bath Rugby visit https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/view-and-comment-current-planning-applications https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/view-and-comment-current-planning-applications
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Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
The journalists are funded by the BBC as part of its latest Charter commitment, but are employed by regional news organisations. A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Bath Voice. These organisations range from television and radio stations to online media companies and established regional newspaper groups. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities, second-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
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