By Harry Mottram: The original plan for the new Bath Rugby Stadium to be built was over successive seasons meaning it would be nearer to three years before the new ground would be completed. That timeline has now shrunk in time beginning this summer with a speeded up schedule.
Tarquin McDonald, the club’s Chief Executive said: “We are acutely aware of the impact of construction on nearby residents, and that shortening the duration of construction work would help to mitigate this impact.
“I am therefore delighted to confirm that we have submitted a planning amendment which seeks approval for an accelerated construction phasing plan for the new stadium. This amendment will shorten the overall construction period to approximately 18 months, with the aim to complete your new stadium and home for the start of the 2028/29 season.
“The improved timeline is 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.
“To facilitate this improved timeline, we 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 our 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.”
Bath Rugby is owned in a 50:50 equal partnership by businessman Bruce Craig and billionaire inventor Sir James Dyson while the plans to rebuild a new stadium taking the capacity from 14,000 to 18,000 spectators for rugby will cost in the region of £70m. With uncertainty over the economy hit by the oil price knock on effect to interest rates and fuel costs by the Iran-USA war speeding up construction should cut some costs.
The main change is to move the playing surface 25metres east and replacing the temporary East Stand with a new permanent one which will significantly cut into the publicly owned Recreation Ground and the space for cricket and a green area for the public to use.
This was the single most concern for the Friends of the Recreation Ground. Other concerns included the height of the new stands, the overall design, the impact of the extra facilities on local businesses, the impact to the riverside walk during work and the plans by Bath Rugby to host events such as concerts and outdoor events on the pitch which some observes believe to be one way to recoup the £70m costs.
The home season kicks off at The Rec on Friday 2nd October with Exeter Chiefs in Round 2 of the Gallagher PREM. Building work will mean the last home game of the forthcoming season will be against Newcastle Red Bulls on the weekend of 17 April 2027
The final games next year will be played as the CEO said ‘on the road.’ Already various venues have been suggested online by fans although a ground share with Bath City FC is unlikely.
Tarquin McDonald said that the club will keep fans in the loop and will speak 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.
The news sees the start of a new chapter in the history of Bath Rugby which will be cheered on by supporters but not so much by the club’s detractors.
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
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