Vision and objectives

Rugby has sat in the heart of Bath for over 125 years. Before that, the same ground was used by generations as a place to gather, for play and for recreation.

We want to ensure that The Recreation Ground continues to be a place for play, a place to come together, a place for passion that integrates and connects to the city.

Our vision is to create world-class facilities for elite men’s and women’s rugby, an outstanding fan experience, drive community and sporting participation and deliver a regenerated riverside that everyone can enjoy while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the city.

 The key objectives for us as we revisited the approach to redevelop The Rec were:

• An 18,000 capacity stadium with world class facilities
• No under pitch car park
• Heights of the stands reduced
• Premium riverside hospitality and non-matchday usage
• A regenerated riverside, new destination, café, stadium tour
• Community use of pitch
• Education spaces and a permanent home for Bath Rugby Foundation

Our design has been guided by many considerations however six key principles sit above all else:

• The stadium must be iconic, yet sensitive
• It must create the best possible matchday experience for loyal fans and visitors
• It must be commercially viable
• It needs to be environmentally sustainable
• A regenerated riverside, new destination, café, stadium tour
• The stadium is not an island, its development needs to enhance the riverside
• This is Bath’s stadium and it must serve its community - that means everyone