{"id":850412,"date":"2026-08-10T16:00:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T16:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/850412\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T16:00:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T16:00:24","slug":"bath-rugby-confirm-stadium-development-roadmap-as-prem-fixtures-set-to-go-on-the-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/850412\/","title":{"rendered":"Bath Rugby confirm stadium development roadmap as PREM fixtures set to go ‘on the road’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bath<\/a> have confirmed the latest roadmap on the construction of their new stadium, with plans to begin building work in 2027.<\/p>\n

The update comes after plans for the upgraded 18,000-seat stadium, called Stadium for Bath, were approved by Bath and North East Somerset (Banes) Council in September last year.<\/p>\n

Bath issue roadmap for Stadium for Bath construction as PREM fixtures to be moved<\/p>\n

The club have set out a phased development of the new stadium over the next three seasons while still playing home fixtures at the Rec, but have also now submitted a new planning amendment to accelerate construction. This is done by building the East Stand first, instead of the West Stand, but the overall design remains the same.<\/p>\n

Under this accelerated plan, the club are hopeful construction of the new stadium will last 18 months, with an aim to be ready in time for the start of the 2028\/29 season.<\/p>\n

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However, the PREM<\/a> outfit will have to take their last two home league fixtures of the 2026\/27 season against Harlequins and Saracens away from the Rec to facilitate the accelerated work on the site, which includes relocating the pitch. The club are currently in discussions with alternative venues, with official confirmation expected later in the season.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, their round 13 meeting with Newcastle Red Bulls on the weekend of April 17 will be the final fixture in the Rec\u2019s current guise.<\/p>\n

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Elsewhere, Bath<\/a> CEO Tarquin McDonald has confirmed a number of fan consultations, both in person and virtually, across the next few months, which start in August.<\/p>\n

In an open letter to supporters, McDonald wrote: \u201cOur stadium designs \u2013 which were approved at planning committee last year \u2013 set out a phased construction over three seasons whilst we continue to play rugby at The Rec, with the goal of maintaining home advantage for the team, matchday rituals for our supporters and retaining all the wider economic benefits for the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are also acutely aware of the impact of construction on nearby residents, and that shortening the duration of construction work would help to mitigate this impact. This has been a focus for our project team over recent months.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am therefore delighted to confirm that we have submitted a planning amendment which seeks approval for an accelerated construction phasing plan for the new stadium. This amendment will shorten the overall construction period to approximately 18 months, with the aim to complete your new stadium and home for the start of the 2028\/29 season, which is great news!<\/p>\n

\u201cThe improved timeline is achieved by commencing the construction of the new East Stand first, where this was previously programmed to follow construction of the West Stand. The overall design remains exactly as per the planning approval received last year.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo facilitate this improved timeline, we will need to create a slightly longer off-season in summer 2027 by taking the last two regular games of the 2026\/27 season \u2018on the road\u2019 to an alternate ground.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis means that our home fixtures against Harlequins and Saracens in Rounds 16 and 18 of the Gallagher PREM will be played away from The Rec to facilitate the commencement of construction work on the stadium, including the relocation of the pitch almost 25 metres into The Rec in time for the 2027\/28 season.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are in discussion with alternative host venues and we will update you once the location for these fixtures is confirmed. Our goal is to minimise disruption as far as possible, and we hope that you will all join us and help make these fixtures a proper home away from home. If any of our Season Ticket Holders are unable to attend at the alternate ground we will, of course, credit your account accordingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis means that our Gallagher PREM fixture against Newcastle Red Bulls on the weekend of 17 April 2027 will be our last ever fixture in the current configuration of The Rec, and we will ensure we mark this milestone appropriately.<\/p>\n

\u201cImportantly, we anticipate that we will begin speaking with Season Ticket Holders regarding their seats in the new stadium (season 2028\/29 onwards) and during the build season (2027\/28) early in 2027. We will update you on the process for this no later than December 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will of course also be working closely and regularly briefing other key stakeholders including our landlord Bath Rec Limited and B&NES council.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, as ever, for your incredible support. We cannot wait to welcome you back for another season supporting the Blue, Black and White.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the meantime, I hope you have a fantastic summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cCOYB!\u201d<\/p>\n

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