Agenda item

Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director of Bath Rugby will provide an update and take questions on the progress of the Stadium for Bath project.

Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director for Bath Rugby attended the forum to provide an update and take questions on the subject The Stadium for Bath.

·  The Stadium for Bath project has a broad focus and is looking at the future development plans for the riverside in Bath.

·  The vision of what the future stadium will look like is going to be different for every person, what most people will agree on is that the vision should not be leaving the stadium as it is now.

·  The challenge that Bath Rugby has now is to create a vision from the big picture opportunity by looking to the future and creating a legacy.

·  Bath Rugby sees the central location in Bath as the place that works commercially and continues the long history at the heart of the city where the club has been as a source of strength. 

·  The B&NES Council vision for Bath states that it should be a place for those who live, work and play in city. The MOD sites are creating a place to live, Bath Quays is creating a place to work and the Bath Stadium can deliver the play aspect for all in a recreational space with sport and community facilities. A hub for delivering sport would be a space that is not only about Bath Rugby.

·  The community will be invited to look at solutions where there are social needs. There are opportunities to look at the way of helping the 20% of children in Bath that live in poverty. There are also opportunities for young people who could be offered apprentices roles. 

·  Later this year designs will be produced that which will include the input that has been collected through the wide ranging consultation which has already taken place with residents, supporters, community representatives and city stakeholders.

·  The architect which has been appointed is Grimshaws, they are considered to be a good fit and show they understand the importance of how city life works in Bath.

The next stages will be:

·  A briefing with B&NES Council to listen to guidance on following good design practice.

·  Appointment of engineers

·  A technical survey

·  Stimulation of an inclusive debate for a design to be proud of

·  Presentation of visuals in May/June 2018

·  Submission of a planning application

Questions and Comments

1.  Cllr Peter Turner – It is hoped that Grimshaws have the vision to produce a stadium that complements the history of the rugby team.

2.  Cllr Dine Romero – How will you manage the expectations of the work which is carried out with children in the outlying areas of Bath? Will there continue to be an outreach programme of work?

Response:

·  There will be opportunities that will take place at the stadium, this will be for community use and transportation costs to the stadium will be considered. 

·  It is intended that work at the Southside Youth Hub where exercise with teenager’s takes place will continue through the charity fund raising which we carry out.

·  The landlord at the Recreation Ground is a registered charity. The continuation of working with communities will be something that is part of the plans.

3.  Cllr Matthew Davies – What are the benefits of staying at The Rec over other sites?

Response: The city is vibrant and business sees the benefits on match days. The commercial impact is felt through central based festivals and the social wide impact which rugby has as part of the overall offering.

4.  Jeremy Boss – As a near neighbour to The Rec it is clear that Bath Rugby has been taking time to consult through an exemplary process. Can we be sure that this will continue?

Response: Yes, groups have been invited to conversations that are scheduled for mid/late April 2018.

5.  Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall – Will the surface at the stadium be 4G or grass?

Response: This has not yet been decided but the probable option is likely not to be grass.

6.  Roger Driver – Having taken part in the discussions the integrity of the process is impressive. The early engagement provides confidence that the big picture will continue as an inclusive process.

7.  Cllr Joe Rayment - How much consideration has been given to environmental sustainability issues?

Response: Many considerations are being considered including use of the roofing area and the harvesting of rain water.

8.  Joy Saunders – How many of the goals which are being set for social good sit with Bath Rugby? What financial commitment is in place?

Response: The landlord who is a registered charity will be receiving our rent. The legacy will be a mix of Bath Rugby and the Foundation who will be looking for a space that can see sport participation increase and improved community use. The more specific needs of fewer people will be addressed by the foundation; there will need to be measures in place that allow for meaningful ways of monitoring impact. The finance commitments will be developed through the clubs operating board.

9.  Cllr Andrew Furse – It is hoped that the design, scale and impact will deliver a stadium for all to enjoy. To date we have seen Hockey, Cricket and Le Cross all leave The Rec. How do we debate the ways to get the wider community to embrace a scheme that appears to have rugby dominance?

Response: Rugby has not pushed anybody away from The Rec and the landlord has controls that the rugby club have limited control over. A good design that opens up the riverside space will create a space that is easier to share. Where there is an appetite from others to use the space we will be ready to listen to these.

Michael Hill – Once there is further information to share will you return to update the forum?

Response: Yes we are happy to provide updates.