Public Realm, riverside and trees

The project providers a once in a lifetime opportunity to regenerate a neglected area of riverside in the heart of Bath - creating a new space for all to enjoy.

An enhanced riverside will contribute a significant public benefit for the city and the local community, improving the river corridor in the heart of Bath. It will also provide a unique and contemporary setting for the stadium, complementing Parade Gardens and providing a new circular route connecting both sides of the river.

A new pedestrian access is proposed by the Leisure Centre from road level to river level, including an accessibility lift. This will support matchday spectator movements, and non-matchday circulation and access to the riverside for all.

The creation of a new riverside for everyone to enjoy will transform the experience with additional walkways, seating and new planting. The space will have a café and there will be opportunities to enhance the riverside, the potential for public art and games of boules. The existing flood defence bund will be maintained, existing trees maintained, with lower level replanting to encourage enhanced biodiversity through a mix of flora and fauna.

By moving the West stand edge away from the bund, existing trees – many rooted in the bund – will have new space to flourish and grow. The majority of existing trees will be preserved and the already dead trees will be replaced as required by B&NES.

The materials for the public realm take cues from the Bath Pattern Book. Stone and surface course options such as bound gravel which reflect the cityscape’s palette are being considered for walkways. Lighting proposals carefully address guidance to manage light spill and protect ecology, whilst planting is tailored to optimise biodiversity.

There are five trees impacted by the design proposals, including dead trees and a dead stump. At least seven replacement trees will be planted and all remaining trees will flourish with the increased space provided by the location of the new West stand.

The plan from above shows the enhanced riverside and public realm enabling a new Spring Garden Walk that everyone can enjoy.

The cross-section of the proposed riverside stand versus current highlights the new, uncovered and colonnaded walkways, with seating and planting, together with space for existing trees to flourish.

Proposed surface materials and palette reflect the tones of the city and provide an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of the Club, and the wider sporting heritage of Bath with a riverside sporting ‘walk of fame’.