Bath Rugby has agreed to sell off a plot of land to Lidl so it can build a new food store next to the club's existing training facilities, it has been revealed.
The rugby union side announced on Friday (October 28) it had exchanged contracts on part of the land it owns at Lambridge with the supermarket chain. Plans will be shared with the public and local businesses "in due course", according to the Premiership club, which said initial proposals would be published ahead of any planning application being submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council.
The announcement comes a week after the club said plans to build a new stadium at Bath Rugby's historic home had taken a major step forward following a victory in court.
Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby's chief executive, said: "We were impressed by Lidl GB’s commitment to deliver a high-quality sensitive design, with consideration to the local setting and sustainable features, such as proposing to incorporate local Bath stone, natural timber cladding, air source heat pumps, a green roof and electric vehicle rapid charging facilities.”
Glen Stidever, regional head of property at Lidl GB said the supermarket was "committed" to working with Bath Rugby, the local community and local authority to deliver the new store.
He said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Bath Rugby to acquire vacant land adjoining the Lambridge training ground. A new Lidl store at Lambridge would enhance access to Lidl’s high-quality and affordable produce for local residents, on the Eastern side of Bath and outlying villages."
Bath Rugby said it had also permanently transferred the training pitches and clubhouse at Lambridge to Bath RFC, securing the amateur club’s long-term future at the site. The facilities – currently run by Bath RFC – are used by Bath RFC Juniors; Bath Rugby Ladies first, second and third teams; Bath Ladies Trojans mixed-ability team; and other organisations including Bath Rugby Foundation and local schools.
The move will create funding opportunities for the amateur club, according to Bath Rugby, helping the facilities at Lambridge to be revitalised. Mr McDonald said it would also enable Bath Rugby to invest in wider community rugby programmes and the women’s pathway and professional team, assisting amateur rugby to grow.
He said: “Since emerging from the pandemic we have undertaken a review of all our assets, including Lambridge. This land transaction unlocks the potential of land directly adjacent to the amateur club’s training facilities, and will provide investment in the amateur club."
Mr Stidever added: "We now look forward to developing our plans further through extensive public and pre-application consultation with the local community, local traders, and local planning authority before submitting a full planning application next year.
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