BATH, England — The proposed expansion of the Bath Rugby stadium has triggered a heated debate between the rugby club and some local residents who are concerned about preserving the city’s heritage. Bath Rugby Club, hoping to modernize and increase capacity at the Recreation Ground, or “The Rec,” its traditional home since 1894, recently overcame a legal challenge that reached the Supreme Court. Despite this victory, significant opposition remains, notably because Bath is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its ancient Roman influence, Georgian architecture, and picturesque landscapes.
Joanna Wright, a Green Party member on the Bath and North East Somerset Council, is among those opposing the expansion. Wright emphasizes that her objection isn’t rooted in an anti-sport sentiment but stems from concerns about the impact on Bath’s esteemed status. Standing near the iconic Pulteney Bridge, she expressed fears that the permanent alteration of The Rec might detract from the city’s natural beauty. She cites the example of Liverpool, which lost its UNESCO status in 2021 after extensive waterfront developments, including a new stadium for Everton Football Club, drawing parallels to the potential risk for Bath.
Aiming to boost the stadium’s capacity from approximately 14,500 to 18,000, Bath Rugby seeks to create a modernized venue for sports, culture, and leisure. Doug Wrigglesworth, chairman of the Bath Rugby Supporters Club, underscored the stadium’s significance as an emblematic site that needs updating. Bath Rugby’s presence at the site dates back over 125 years, having endured damage during World War II’s Bath Blitz. Despite incremental capacity increases during the professional era of rugby, much of the current seating remains exposed to the elements, and larger crowds result in cramped conditions akin to “Operation Sardine.”
Game days are a boon for local businesses as bars and eateries thrive on matchdays, highlighting rugby’s contribution to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Yet, Joanna Wright describes the ensuing chaos and transportation challenges on such days. Bath Rugby, historically successful in the 1990s and crowned European champions in 1998, continues to attract high-profile players, such as current star Finn Russell, captain of Scotland.
Financial struggles have gripped rugby union clubs, with none making a profit in the 2022-23 season as per the Leonard Curtis Rugby Finance Report. Increasing the stadium’s capacity could enhance revenue and attract corporate partnerships, though the club, owned by businessman Bruce Craig, refrained from commenting on the situation.
The discussion extends beyond cultural heritage to environmental concerns, as Bath boasts a title as one of Europe’s Great Spa Towns. The UK Environment Agency pointed out that the redevelopment proposal fails to address the welfare of species like the European beaver, a protected animal inhabiting the Avon River region. Noise, transportation, and lighting effects on bats — another vital ecological consideration — are also under scrutiny.
Local opposition previously leveraged a 1922 covenant restricting development at The Rec; however, the Court of Appeal deemed the covenant’s language too vague, allowing plans to advance. After the Supreme Court refused to hear further appeals, Bath Rugby honed its proposal based on public and official input.
ICOMOS-UK, which advises UNESCO on such heritage sites, submitted feedback to Bath’s planning committee recommending further design revisions to mitigate harm. Historic England offered a contrasting view, indicating no heritage objections to the development.
For Wright, Bath’s ability to balance heritage with greenery is a chief characteristic of its World Heritage status. The prospect of an expansive commercial development raises fears of altering the city’s essence. Her sentiments resonate with locals who cherish Bath’s unique blend of historical architecture intertwined with verdant spaces.