Bath Rugby has announced a revised and expedited timetable for the redevelopment of The Recreation Ground (The Rec), aiming to have the upgraded stadium ready for the 2028-29 season.
Originally, the construction works were expected to take up to three years. However, the club revealed plans this week to accelerate the project, reducing the duration to approximately 18 months by altering the sequence of construction phases. This change involves commencing work on the East Stand first, instead of the West Stand as initially planned. Importantly, the overall design remains consistent with the plans granted planning approval last year.
As part of this accelerated schedule, Bath Rugby will relocate several home matches for the 2026/27 season to alternative venues. This includes home fixtures against Harlequins on the weekend of 15 May and Saracens on 5 June, as well as a home play-off semi-final, should the team qualify. These measures will facilitate essential construction activities, such as relocating the pitch approximately 25 metres within The Rec, in preparation for the 2027/28 season.
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Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald addressed supporters in an open letter, stating: “To 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 ‘on the road’ to an alternate ground. We are actively discussing potential host venues and will announce details once confirmed. Our goal is to minimise disruption, and we invite all fans to support the team and help make these fixtures a true home away from home. Any Season Ticket Holders unable to attend these matches will receive appropriate account credits.”
The redevelopment plan will replace existing temporary stands with a new 18,000-seat stadium. Detailed phases of the plan include:
- February 2027: Site establishment with compound facilities and security arrangements.
- February to May 2027: Flood alleviation works and foundation piling for the new East Stand behind the current temporary structure.
- March to May 2027: Demolition of the existing North and West Stands while retaining the North Clubhouse.
- May 2027: Removal and demolition of the temporary East Stand and partial demolition of the South Stand’s temporary boxes.
- May to September 2027: Pitch relocation and installation of a new hybrid grass surface.
- May 2027 to February 2028: Construction of the East Stand with the aim for partial spectator use during the 2027/28 season; completion of façade work and landscaping continuing through February 2028.
- July 2027 to October 2028: Building of the West Stand and new access pathways, targeting partial use during the 2027/28 season.
- March to May 2028: Demolition of the North Clubhouse.
- May to October 2028: Construction of the new North Stand.
- May to December 2028: Construction of the new South Stand.
The planning amendment submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council clarifies that there are no technical grounds to prevent the approval of this updated schedule. The proposals align with all applicable development policies, including environmental and planning regulations.
McDonald added: “We will maintain regular communication with supporters throughout the 2026/27 season. We also anticipate engaging with Season Ticket Holders in early 2027 regarding their seating arrangements for the new stadium from the 2028/29 season and during the following build season. Updates on this process will be provided by December 2026. Furthermore, we will continue ongoing collaboration with our landlord Bath Rec Limited and Bath & North East Somerset Council.”
The revised timetable reflects Bath Rugby’s commitment to delivering an enhanced stadium experience while ensuring minimal disruption to supporters during the redevelopment process.