Bath’s plans for a new stadium at the Recreation Ground are back on
Friday 31 July 2015 12:51, UK
Bath Rugby's plans for a new stadium at the Recreation Ground are back on after a successful appeal against a previous ruling preventing the club from obtaining more land.
The Recreation Ground Trust – which leases land to Bath – overturned a ruling which prevented them allowing the club to take on a bigger footprint on the famous piece of land following a previous appeal from three Bath residents last March.
The club is planning to construct a larger stadium with a capacity of about 16,500, while giving up its old training ground at Lambridge – to be managed by the Trust – as compensation.
According to the club, the current facilities are "no longer fit for purpose" and they want to develop "a world-class sporting, community and cultural venue".
Tarquin McDonald, managing director of Bath Rugby, said: "Bath Rugby is delighted by the outcome of the Recreation Ground Trust's appeal. Today's decision opens the door to progress in terms of redevelopment.
"While we recognise there is still a long way to go, today's decision is an incredibly positive step forward for both the club and the City of Bath.
"As we head into our 150th season, we remain committed to providing a world-class sporting, community and cultural venue in the heart of the city, and for the city.
"The club looks forward to working with the Recreation Ground Trust, together with other stakeholders including B&NES and residents of Bath, on a long-term solution for the Rec."
The Rec has been Bath Rugby's home since 1894. As a professional rugby club, they are an accepted 'breach' of the covenants on the Rec and have a lease to stay where they are until 2069.
