A detailed timeline has been announced
Bath Rugby have outlined the revised timetable of works to the redevelopment of The Rec as they are speeding up plans for their new stadium.
Works at the Rec were initially due to take up to three years to complete, but this week, the club announced a new timetable which is aimed at completing the revamped stadium for Bath in time for the start of the 2028-29 season.
However, in order to to accelerate the construction phasing plan for the new stadium, it will be mean Johann van Graan's side will have to play their home games against Harlequins on the weekend of 15 May and Saracens on 5 June at a different venue, as well as a home play-off semi-final, if they were to achieve one.
Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald, in an open letter to club supporters, said: "The 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.
"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.
"This 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.
"We 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."
The plan will see the current temporary stands on the Recreation Ground replaced with a 18,000-seat stadium. Construction of the stadium was set to take three years, but now seems to be cut down to 18 months.
The revised plans, which have now been submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council, won't see any change to the overall design of the new stadium, but now the club intends to start construction on the East Stand first rather than the West Stand and have submitted a planning amendment to this effect.
Detailed Timeline & Sequence of Works
February 2027: Site establishment, including site compound, welfare facilities, and site hoardings/security measures .
February 2027 – May 2027: Flood alleviation works and East Stand piling .
Construction of permanent East Stand foundations behind the existing temporary East Stand (foundation works only during this phase) .
March 2027 – May 2027: Demolition of the existing North and West Stands (with the North Clubhouse retained) .
May 2027:
Removal, dismantling, and demolition of the existing temporary East Stand .
Partial demolition of the existing South Stand (removal of temporary South Stand boxes at the western and eastern ends) .
May 2027 – September 2027: Pitch relocation works (construction and relocation of the new hybrid grass pitch) .
May 2027 – February 2028: Construction of the new East Stand .
Permanent East Stand targeted for spectator use during the 2027/28 playing season .
Completion of external façades, elevations, and soft landscaping continuing through February 2028 .
July 2027 – October 2028: Construction of the new West Stand and new access from the Leisure Centre bridge .
Works progress generally from south-west to north-west .
Permanent West Stand lower seating/nosing targeted for spectator use during the 2027/28 season .
Construction of new stairs and platform lift from the Leisure Centre pedestrian access deck .
March 2028 – May 2028: Demolition of the existing North Clubhouse .
May 2028 – October 2028: Construction of the new North Stand .
May 2028 – December 2028: Construction of the new South Stand .
The planning statement adds: "There are no technical grounds to prevent planning permission from being granted. This statement demonstrates that the proposals are supported by each of the relevant policies of the development plan in respect of all technical matters. The proposals also fully accord with all relevant local environmental and other development control policies."
In the statement, McDonald added: "We will therefore be communicating more regularly with you throughout the 2026/27 season including:
- August onwards: Stadium project webpage and FAQs re-launched with regular and on-going updates throughout the 2026/27 season.
- August onwards: Workshops held with Fan Forum and stadium accessibility group to provide updates and input into the detailed design. On-going workshops throughout the 2026/27 season.
- September: Invitation to an online club briefing on the stadium project for Season Ticket Holders and Club Members (date and time to follow).
- September onwards: Regular direct email communication issued to Season Ticket Holders, Club Members and mailing list subscribers providing stadium project updates.
- September onwards: Stadium project briefing with local residents, including Bath Rugby supporters, with on-going briefings throughout the 2026/27 season.
- October onwards: Regular in person club updates including opportunity for Q&A at home matches at The Rec throughout the 2026/27 season.
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"Importantly, 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.
"We will of course also be working closely and regularly briefing other key stakeholders including our landlord Bath Rec Limited and B&NES council."