Rugby club creating ‘vision’ to redevelop Recreation Ground

It is planning upgrades to the Recreation Ground, in Sunnyside Road, over the next five years to ‘provide a platform for a sustainable future’.

The project will be tied to residential development – with an ‘under-utilised’ car park and land north of the ground earmarked for housing.

Options of refurbishing facilities or creating new ones are being explored, and it is hoped a cash surplus – which will be reinvested – can be delivered through adding ‘income-generating assets’.

A spokesman said: “We will explore the potential investment in the club and its existing facilities to provide an enhanced player and spectator experience.

“The club has a long history and plays an important community role promoting rugby in Weston, and is committed to staying at the Recreation Ground.

“Investment in facilities will enable the club to provide a platform for a sustainable future and realise its full potential.”

The announcement comes a month after Weston Football Club revealed it is exploring the possibilities of major development of the Woodspring Stadium, in Winterstoke Road.

Businesses Studio HIVE and Atlas Land have been enlisted as consultants by the rugby club and will conduct consultations over two months to ‘understand the needs and wants of members and the community’.

Jason Collard, managing director of Studio HIVE – which has also inked a sponsorship deal with the team alongside Atlas Land – said: “We look forward to working with the rugby club as it prepares its vision for the enhancement of club facilities and ground.”

Alan Chaytor, of Atlas Land, said he is ‘excited to develop a sustainable future for the club’, with a planning application set to be submitted next summer.

The rugby club spokesman added: “We will work closely with North Somerset Council and other key stakeholders, but most importantly the members who have a key stake in the future direction of the club.”