Arup lands design role in plans for a new 18,000-seater stadium in Bath

Stadium for Bath has appointed Arup to play a central role in the design of a new stadium in the heart of the city.

Plans are in place for the 18,000-capacity venue to eventually replace the current Recreation Ground where Bath Rugby Club play their home games. Those behind the bid hope to submit a final design for planning approval before the end of the year. Following a rigorous selection process, Arup will provide an extensive range of building engineering and specialist technical services.

Along with an impressive rugby stadium, there is growing support for a new stadium which can be a catalyst for wider benefits in terms of riverside regeneration and the provision of tangible and long-lasting benefits to the community. 

The global engineering and design consultancy will provide civil, geotechnical, structural, mechanical, electrical and public health engineering as well as ICT, audio visual, acoustic and specialist lighting design for the new digitally-enabled stadium. 

Arup’s team will be led from Bristol and will work closely with the other firms appointed to design the stadium, Grimshaw Architects, Kay Elliot and Gross Max. Grimshaw was appointed as the lead architect in January.

Commenting on the announcement, Tarquin Mcdonald, Bath Rugby chief executive, said: “Arup has a strong track record in delivering projects for sporting stadiums throughout the country, and this combined with their experience in working in our unique World Heritage City of Bath puts the company in a strong position to help deliver a stadium that the entire city can be proud of. Arup’s expertise will be invaluable, and as we strive to create not only a home for Bath Rugby but a stadium for the Bath community. We’re looking forward to their design input over the coming months as a vision for Stadium for Bath begins to take shape.”

The engineering firm has an impressive track record when it comes to the design of sport stadia with current and recent projects including new and upgraded stands at Lord’s Cricket ground, and the designs of Brentford Community Stadium and Italian football club, ACF Fiorentina. It also has previously been involved in Twickenham, Singapore Sports Hub and the ‘Bird’s Nest’ built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Mike Cribb, associate director and Arup’s project manager for Stadium for Bath, said: “We’re excited to be part of this iconic project that that will enhance the city of Bath, complimenting its UNESCO-designated architectural heritage. A particular area of focus for us will be exploring material options for the stadium’s roof that will suit the setting and enhance the stadium’s atmosphere.”