We live in the shadow of a major UK stadium – we’re furious they want to turn it into a COLOSSEUM… it won’t fit in
FUMING residents living in the shadow of a major UK stadium have blasted new plans claiming it will ruin their home.
Locals live in fear after Bath Rugby revealed major changes to the design of the club’s current stadium at the Recreation Ground in May.
Furious homeowners have compared designs to Rome’s Colosseum – with one mistaking them for an “April Fool’s joke”.
If proposed plans get the green light, in spite of residents’ fury, the capacity of the venue will increase from 14,500 to 18,000 seats.
The public riverside space to the west of The Rec will also be widened.
Business owner, Paul Ruddick, 49, from Clevedon, jibed that the Colosseum plans for Bath Rugby was impractical.
He told The Sun Online: “I think it’s probably out of keeping with the rest of the Georgian cityscape which is what brings in most of the tourists to this place.
“Architects plans just seem to be getting more and more bizarre.
“Oh dear, whatever next, will they be bringing in the lions to eat the Christians?”
Another baffled resident, Phillip Harris, from Bath, said he had to check his phone to make sure it wasn’t April 1.
“I thought at first that it was an April Fool’s prank because this will never get off the ground,” continued the 70-year-old.
And, NP Wilby previously told SomersetLive: “The view from the parade gardens has been blocked of the beautiful vista for many years due to this ugly building along the riverside.
“I cannot imagine anything different if a larger stadium construction goes ahead.”
But Environment Agency worker, Andy Moore, confessed that the club was in need of a new stadium.
He said: “At the end of each season, the rugby club has to dismantle the temporary stand so that it doesn’t interfere with the outfield of the cricket pitches.
“This isn’t viable long term for a club the size of Bath – but then again this problem has been going on for decades.
“I’m not sure those in Bath would really want to see a Colosseum-style stadium built right in the heart of the city though.”
Meanwhile, Bath Rugby fan, Rachel Mayell, is in favour of the new stadium plans.
“They look fantastic and it would be a really iconic facility right here in the heart of the city,” she said in support.
“Too many rugby clubs have moved away from their traditional homes to out of town sites – or even other cities – and none have really prospered.
“Bath Rugby needs to be here because there is a really special vibe on match days with people walking to the game from bars and restaurants in the city centre.
“A new stadium would not only help the club but would also bring in more trade to the bars and restaurants if the capacity is increased.”
The new stadium design was influenced by stakeholder and public feedback obtained during previous consultations.
Bath Rugby plans to submit the proposal to Bath and North East Somerset Council this summer.
The Sun has contacted Bath Rugby for comment.