Key design considerations - Heights, views, transport and access

Our design process has focussed on reducing the heights of the stands and mitigating their impact on views. We will be submitting a comprehensive landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) as part of our planning application.

1. Leading edge of proposed West stand roof [15m above pitch level]
2. Leading edge of previously proposed West stand roof [21m above pitch level]
3. Ridge of current West stand roof [11m above pitch level]

LVIA Viewpoint Examples

A comprehensive LVIA with stadium renders will be submitted in the planning application, showing the impact of the proposed stadium on key views.

Viewpoints have been tested with basic “wirelines” and blocked massing to test the emerging design.

A total of 37 viewpoints will be tested including multiple near viewpoints along with viewpoints from afar back into the city, e.g. Alexandra Park, Bathwick Meadows, Sham Castle.

Of the viewpoints being tested, 22 viewpoints are being tested inclusive of fully developed stadium renders. It is also noted that certain viewpoints are being tested at night time, and impacts are being tested with ‘winter views’.

Transport and access

Access across the north of the site from Pulteney Bridge and William Street would remain largely as existing for matchdays which is a health and safety requirement, although the potential to make use of the Spring Gardens Road ‘switchback’ under Pulteney Bridge is being explored.

Access along the riverside would be along the new walkway east of the flood defence bund for ticket holders on match days, leaving the current riverside path accessible for non-attendees.

Pedestrian access from the south will be enhanced by the proposal for new steps and an accessibility lift by the Leisure Centre from the road level.

New safe cycle storage is proposed at the site with the potential for ‘cycle club’ members to use changing facilities onsite.

This would enable the stadium to provide a sustainable travel gateway to the city on non-matchdays. Cycle and e-scooter charging points are also under consideration.

A comprehensive travel plan will be submitted with the planning application including measures to encourage a modal shift from private cars being driven into the city centre.

The rugby facilities and operations hub will be relocated to the south east corner of the stadium. This will mean that deliveries and servicing of the stadium will shift to the southern end of The Rec.