At the Better Bath Forum held on Wednesday 21st October the Real Friends of the Rec were asked to publish a more detailed explanation of their vision for the Rec. Our reponse follows below. Our full Vision document can be downloaded here.

The RFOTR response:

The rugby club currently have a robust lease on 25% of the Recreation Ground and a further area of land (up to 5%) would be required (as per the current East stand extension) to secure a viable arena.

Our vision is based on a sympathetic, but iconic horseshoe arena, redeveloping the current, unsightly, outdated and unimaginative west and north stands that now exist.

1. An east stand is still required, but would be temporary, to enable year round use of ALL the Rec for ALL sports, live music and cultural events.

2. The redeveloped East and North Stand need to be designed to enable further redevelopment of the Hamptons Stand and an integrated Sport Centre and Pavilion when they come to the end of their life span (estimated 10 years for the Sports Centre).

3. The current Hamptons stand would be integrated into the new arena.

4. The West stand facing the river would include conference facilities and a café and restaurant with a balcony to maximise the potential of the beautiful frontage across to Parade Gardens.

5. The North end would be redeveloped to include changing facilities, new clubhouse, medical and physiotherapy facilities, and hot bath for disabled recreation and therapy.

We believe that a more aesthetic arena will be used throughout the year for otheramateur and professional sports, concerts, exhibitions and functions which will increase the revenue earning capacity considerably. At present, 25% of the Rec, ie the current Rugby Club stands and facilities, are used for a maximum of 17 days a year for rugby and little else. Improved catering, banqueting and conference facilities will contribute largely to increased revenue, as will the draw of new and interesting one-off sporting events which will bring more worldwide television coverage to the Rec and increase the value of naming rights for the arena.