First look at The New Rec


The revised plan

By TCM2007
February 26 2014

Last week Nick Blofeld shared with a Season Ticket Holder's meeting the visuals for the new Rec development which is about to be submitted for planning. Now we can share a first glimpse of the plans with COML readers.

Last Tuesday the Bath Rugby CEO shared his plans with around 100 fans at The Rec to a warm reception. The designs have taken on board a lot of the feedback from the first consultation; in particular the height of the stands has come down and the roof heavily modified. Sham Castle will now be visible from Grand Parade according to models he showed the group.

The design now includes Bath stone colonnades to mirror those on the opposite bank, while the almost gothic arches formed by the fabric of the roof to my eyes echo the windows of the Abbey. The colours are still a work in progress but are clearly trying to blend in. A lot of the space between the roof arches is glazed to keep as much light as possible.

The riverside walkway will be largely open to the public and include a club shop and a cafe/bistro which will be open all week, as well as other refreshment outlets on matchdays. Note that the architect's drawing misses out the trees which will be between the stand and the river so you can see it better, but there will in reality be a range of new and repositioned old greenery.

The stands dip down at either end to further open up views from inside and out. The south end includes a Season Ticket Holder's entrance and facilities.

Inside the seats are much more steeply raked than at present, and entrance is from the back - no walkway between the stands and the pitch. There will be some standing, at the south end.

The stadium will cost around £20m - all funded by Bruce. The club has already put in for pre-planning and has been working with BANES for months; the council has assigned a liaison officer to work with them. They hope to go before the committee in June!

Exciting times - what do you think?

 

 

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First look at The New Rec
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 26/02/2014 19:52
Comeonmylovers.co.uk
Comeonmylovers.co.uk
26/02/2014 19:52
An aerial view. Click to enlarge.


http://s7.postimg.org/lyxdijdcn/image.jpg



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:09:19:07:09 by TCM2007.

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
26/02/2014 20:35
"Quote Message" seems to work, but reply doesn't. Odd.

Stuart

Former ed.

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
26/02/2014 21:53
No-one has any opinions? Unlike you guys!

Stuart

Former ed.

MESSAGES->author
hasta
26/02/2014 22:03
Looks good! Tough to see all the detail (did you really need that watermark Stu, or is this just a media test? winking smiley

Hope they'll be releasing a pdf prospectus...

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
26/02/2014 22:19
They are going to have another public display apparently.

Stuart

Former ed.

MESSAGES->author
plong
26/02/2014 22:42
am i the only one who DOESN'T like the design of the New Rec?

i think it just looks like a giant hankie has been dropped over the stand - i hope it looks better in reality...

MESSAGES->author
Widcombe boy
26/02/2014 22:54
Love it!!!

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
26/02/2014 23:04
I see the hankie look, but actually think it ill work ok. There's some horrendous pastiche that could be done, equally a real modern piece of architecture wouldnt be great.

RalphAllen
RalphAllen
27/02/2014 07:31
Quote:
plong
am i the only one who DOESN'T like the design of the New Rec?
i think it just looks like a giant hankie has been dropped over the stand - i hope it looks better in reality...
Why not wait until you have seen all the visuals? Or have you? Nick Blofeld's presentation to the RFOTR last night showed that a huge amount of work has gone into the plans. I think the roof should be white though.

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
27/02/2014 07:36
The more important views are of the riverside area and the views from Grand Parade and Johnstone Street as that is where the opposition will come from. An aerial view although great from a visual of the area used by the Club is only for the balloonists and the odd seagull!

Brian4455
Bri
27/02/2014 07:44
If they get it through great we need a new ground urgently as a resident not so sure if I like it but I suppose they know they can't please everyone,fingers crossed for the club.

MESSAGES->author
BathRugbyRM
27/02/2014 09:23
Looks great!

Exciting times to be a Bath fan!!

Mike the Taxi
Mike the Taxi
27/02/2014 12:42
If the subject of trees comes up again in the planning, like it has on a lot of the complaints to the Chronicle, then the West side of the stadium will be masked by trees, anyway.

Still looks good!

Singapore Sling
Singapore Sling
27/02/2014 13:20
I hope the seating will be close to the pitch and there will be curve on the seating so that the view of spectators in one corner is not blocked when Bath score a try in the corner.

Did Nick Bloefeld address where Bath would play during the redevelopment & when that would be; and how seating for Season Ticket holders will be handled during the temporary location phase and in the new stadium?

RalphAllen
RalphAllen
27/02/2014 13:57
Quote:
Mike the Taxi
If the subject of trees comes up again in the planning, like it has on a lot of the complaints to the Chronicle, then the West side of the stadium will be masked by trees, anyway.
Still looks good!
Trees figure prominently in the plan for the riverside.

The plan is for planning permission this summer, then the pitch to be moved east to allow building work behind a temp West Stand. Capacity would be 12,200 as now.

A few months in Swindon is the fallback position. Contingency arrangements being made for season ticket holders if that proves to be the case.

Bath Supporter Jack
Bath Supporter Jack
27/02/2014 14:19
Looks very interesting.

I'm loving the bit "all funded by Mr Craig".

This is exactly the way to go as it means Bath Rugby will then be able to sustain itself and will not be operating with a millstone of debt round its neck.

gwrmc
GSaint
27/02/2014 14:32
Wow that looks great - is it in the same location as the present wreck?

MESSAGES->author
Boy
27/02/2014 15:14
Quote:
GSaint
Wow that looks great - is it in the same location as the present wreck?

Yup. Just a scooch further away from the river to accommodate the new stand and expanded concourse behind.

Stir Crazy
Stir Crazy
27/02/2014 15:20
Shouldn't' this thread, (with my Devils' advocate head on) be titled First Look at the Proposed New Rec? (Sm163)

ps It goes without saying that I LOVE it! The amount of work, consultation, hair loss and toing and froing to even get this far beggars belief!

Tom "Samson" Biggs - Adopted Player 2012/2013
Chris Cook - Adopted Player 2011/2012
Luke (THE LAW) Watson - Adopted Player 2010/11
Michael " Classy" Claassens - Adopted Player 2009/2010

Building a nice future VETS team!!!

gwrmc
GSaint
27/02/2014 15:24
Fantastic to remain in the heart of the city!

CRFCRE
CRFCRE
27/02/2014 17:02
Looks stunning-always going to be tricky in an architectural jewel like Bath and given the site in the heart of all the good stuff, but I think that the architects have pulled it off. Funnily enough, I don't think that the architectural impact was quite the same talking point for Allianz Park in Mill Hill/Hendon...
Beating you at home in future will be all the sweeter for the brilliant surroundings. Well done!

Brian4455
Bri
27/02/2014 17:23
I really can't see that design going through but that's just me,I really hope it does.

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
27/02/2014 18:26
It's been done in consultation with the planners Bri, so I think they are pretty confident.

Stuart

Former ed.

Brian4455
Bri
27/02/2014 18:35
I really hope so.We deserve it.

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
28/02/2014 01:12
Well done one and all as much thought has obviously gone into the structure to try and make it in keeping with the city and its surrounds, all very tricky nut essential to get it built.

Also I must give credit and thank our lucky stars we have on BC s man who has the vision and money to fund the whole project himself. Thankyou. Bruce

Barfer
Barfer
28/02/2014 08:49
Like it. Frankly, I'm just excited at the idea of having a roof over my head.

Sorry to ask what has probably already been answered, but can anyone give me a quick explanation as to the plans for the East stand? Last time I heard they had planned a temp roof, something akin to what they use at Silverstone - is this still the case, and will it be in place at the same time as the rest of the rebuild?

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
28/02/2014 09:02
I believe the East stand is in modular form which will have all aspects of the stand, seating, retail outlets, loos, and of course roof. Each module will be put together each year in August ready for the season and taken away in May.

Barfer
Barfer
28/02/2014 09:11
Thanks CC, much appreciated.

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
28/02/2014 10:27
On small thing NB mentioned is that as part of the scheme they will returf (not reseed as at present) the area under the East Stand when they take it down to bring it back into use more quickly.

Stuart

Former ed.

sarricen
sarricen
01/03/2014 11:17
That looks amazing, I hope you pull it off

Squawker2
Squawker2
01/03/2014 14:37
Good luck with your new stadium, hope things go well for you (and it)

dewibach
Horus
01/03/2014 15:03
If this proposed excrescence ever comes to pass and taken in conjunction with the architectural monstronsities previously allowed by the council, the city could be in danger of losing its UNESCO status.

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
01/03/2014 15:11
You mean what we currently have is better for the UNESCO status? (Sm105)

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
01/03/2014 16:13
Quote:
Horus
If this proposed excrescence ever comes to pass and taken in conjunction with the architectural monstronsities previously allowed by the council, the city could be in danger of losing its UNESCO status.

And that would be a problem how?

But you're just scaremongering.

Stuart

Former ed.

Peasedown Exile
Peasedown Exile
01/03/2014 20:39
Horus, what are you on about??

Stir Crazy
Stir Crazy
02/03/2014 10:34
... about 3 bottles a day I would think!(Sm150)

Tom "Samson" Biggs - Adopted Player 2012/2013
Chris Cook - Adopted Player 2011/2012
Luke (THE LAW) Watson - Adopted Player 2010/11
Michael " Classy" Claassens - Adopted Player 2009/2010

Building a nice future VETS team!!!

MESSAGES->author
trikidiki
02/03/2014 17:51
Horus?

Wasn't he the bird-brained egyptian?

MESSAGES->author
5 Tanners
03/03/2014 14:31
Quote:
Horus
If this proposed excrescence ever comes to pass and taken in conjunction with the architectural monstronsities previously allowed by the council, the city could be in danger of losing its UNESCO status.

Horus, you appear to have overlooked the fact that the World Heritage site at Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, is a stones throw from a very large modern and egregiously unsympathetic football stadium that is arrestingly visible from the Leaning Tower. Nevertheless, this juxtaposition doesn't seem to have done them any harm with UNESCO. Ditto Florence and I'm sure there are plenty of other examples, so I don't share your pessimism about our proposed new stadium, that at least has the merit that the design and re-design(and may be again before approval) with a view to being as empathetic of people's views, as well as sympathetic as possible to its surroundings whilst remaining a fully functional sports arena with modern facilities. In addition to watching world class rugby from these new facilities, I for one look forward to enjoying the new possibility of taking a coffee by the river with the backdrop of Parade Gardens and the Abbey.

MESSAGES->author
TCM2007
03/03/2014 16:07
To re-enforce the point:

http://www.tuttiallostadio.it/varie/pisa%20stadio.JPG

Stuart

Former ed.

Bath Supporter Jack
Bath Supporter Jack
03/03/2014 18:54
Also Horus you are of course assuming that no contact has been made with UNESCO........

Ironically what protects the old parts of cities is having other very vibrant area and people who come on business /recreation/shopping then come across the old World Heritage parts and become advocates for their preservation.

I have just come back from Havanna and one might say it is the modern beach hotels that attract people to Cuba who then visit the old parts of Havanna, whci are beig refurbished as smart modern hotels.

It is the Rugby Ground and new Shopping Centre that brings people to Bath who then wander around Milsom Street, Circus and Royal Crescent

MESSAGES->author
trikidiki
03/03/2014 20:24
If you have a look at the UNESCO website.

[tinyurl.com]

The picture/placeholder for the video shows a lovely view looking across the rooftops of the Leisure Centre and South Stand to the pitch. Hardly one of Bath's most iconic views.

MESSAGES->author
5 Tanners
04/03/2014 10:13
Since we are starting to compare UNESCO sites and acceptability of sports stadia in them, here's an example of a sports arena that is actually one of the key features of a World Heritage site. It might be favourably compared with our re-designed facility as follows:
It is built of concrete and stone
It has arched arcades around a curving arena curtain wall
It was designed for multi-sports use
However it dominates it's location much more since it has 3 levels of curved arch colonnades so that it could accommodate up to 60,000 spectators, rather than our modest 15,000 or so.
It is in proximity to a river, although a little farther walk than ours
You may have already guessed that my comparison of the new re-design of the Rec is with Amphitheatrum Flavium, aka the Colosseum. There, in the heart of Rome, it is surrounded by perhaps the largest number of some of the most historically and architecturally important buildings in the world.
It was built between 60-70 AD using the most modern technology of the time, including concrete. It was built to have a dominant height in the middle of a key site. The fact that it was built demonstrates that any ancient objections of the likes of any Worthius Gilsonius, Nigellus Websperius and Iacobus Sparrowus of that time were overcome. That it was built and was still substantially in use as a sports arena well into the Middle Ages, demonstrates that such multi-use arenas even those in the heart of architecturally sensitive surroundings can be enthusiastically embraced by their first users, as well as generations over time. I find it difficult to believe that Mr Gilson or Mr Websper, or Mr Sparrow or other pressure groups determined to take a nihilistic view of any Rec development would be happy to see a doughnut shaped hole in the middle of Rome today. Would they really want to remove the Colisseum if it was in their back yard and spoiling their view or stopping them walking their dogs in the doughnut hole they could enjoy instead? I know what my preferences are. Oh, and by the way, I own a place on Great Pulteney Street (on the Rec side of the street, for the avoidance of doubt) and have never spoken to or had contact made by Nigel Websper or his Pulteney Residents Association. They have neither solicited my own or my neighbours views on the Rec, and his/their views are contrary to my own views on the Rec development and I am somewhat affronted that they present their views as homogeneously and consistently those of the householders and owners in the streets that surround and include Great Pulteney Street.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:04:18:15:28 by 5 Tanners.

Mike the Taxi
Mike the Taxi
04/03/2014 12:24
Perhaps you should make your views (and prescence) known?(Sm100)

MESSAGES->author
5 Tanners
04/03/2014 13:18
Quote:
Mike the Taxi
Perhaps you should make your views (and prescence) known?(Sm100)
It's a thought MtT, but from what I've read and seen of these various antagonists, they seem to adopt a nihilistic opinion in the face of every scrap of logical argument. I fear it would take lengthy application of the Socratic Method to have them accept for themselves the illogicalities in their various and often self-contradictory arguments. I don't have either the time or the will to establish a latter-day Platos School for them.
As regards the Websper PERA institution, of which I am apparently eligible for membership, to paraphrase Groucho Marx: "I am sure PERA is a wonderful institution, but who wants to be confined in an institution?"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:03:04:17:59:07 by 5 Tanners.

MESSAGES->author
joethefanatic
04/03/2014 20:46
It looks great and I hope it stays in this form. I shall look forward to my annual pilgrimage to my spiritual home even more.

... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
18/03/2014 13:49
The RFotR website says that Bruce said that the lease was is now 65 years not the 56 years left. Is that correct or is that a transposition of figures?

Mike the Taxi
Mike the Taxi
18/03/2014 15:05
4a of the Scheme says "the term of any lease(s) must not exceed the unexpired term of the 1995 lease;"

??

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
18/03/2014 15:15
Think it maybe a transposition of figures by the RFotR. Waiting for a correction!

BTW excellent response to the Major, Mike! (Sm152)

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