Have your say on the Rec

The public will be able to see the latest plans for the new stadium at the Rec at an exhibition next week. There will be the opportunity to speak with members of the project team, ask questions and give feedback on the initial “emerging concept ideas” on display at the Ricoh Suite in the South Stand from Wednesday to Saturday. The project, which brings together Bath Rugby; its charity, Bath Rugby Foundation, and Arena 1865, hopes to deliver a communityfocused 18,000-capacity stadium which will act as a catalyst for riverside regeneration in the heart of the World Heritage city. Over the past 18 months, Stadium for Bath has worked with stakeholders including neighbours and wider resident groups, rugby fans, local businesses, community groups, schools, planning and technical stakeholders to understand their aspirations for the scheme. The design team has now developed “emerging concepts” which will feed into the final designs. Tarquin Mcdonald, the chief executive of Bath Rugby, said: “This is an exciting time for the city as we progress to the next stage of consultation on Stadium for Bath’s vision to create a new destination in the heart of Bath that benefits everyone. “Sport brings people together and has the power to make a profoundly positive impact on our communities and those who live within them. “We believe that rugby can act as a catalyst for regeneration in the heart of the city, providing the opportunity to keep sport, not just rugby, alive in Bath, which we hope will inspire people to get involved, to get active and which will help promote overall wellbeing. “This is also a unique opportunity to regenerate a neglected area of riverside creating a new space that we can all enjoy.” The Rec land is managed by Bath Recreation Ltd - formerly known as Bath Recreation Ground Trust which is the legal landlord. For the vision to become a reality, Bath Rugby would need to lease more of the land than their current stadium footprint. The club has played there since 1894. Stadium for Bath is aiming to submit a full planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council by the end of the year. For those who are unable to attend the event, all of the information will also be available via www. stadiumforbath.com along with an online feedback form.