For those who haven’t seen the full details about Bath Rugby’s deal with supermarket chain Lidl to build a new store on land next to its London Road training ground, here is the press release l received from Ben Pilgrim of RoyalPilgrim Communications:
“Bath Rugby have exchanged contracts on part of the land they own at Lambridge, Bath, with Lidl GB, to deliver a modern and bespoke food store beside Bath RFC’s existing training facilities.
At the same time, Bath Rugby has also permanently transferred the training pitches and clubhouse at Lambridge, to Bath RFC, securing the amateur club’s long-term future at Lambridge. These facilities – currently run by Bath RFC – are used by Bath RFC Juniors; Bath Rugby Ladies 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams; Bath Ladies Trojans mixed ability team; and other organisations including Bath Rugby Foundation and local schools.
Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby 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.
This will create funding opportunities for the amateur club, helping the facilities at Lambridge to be revitalised. This will also enable Bath Rugby to invest in our wider community rugby programmes, and the women’s pathway and the professional team, assisting amateur rugby to grow and thrive in the long term.
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.”
Danny Sacco, President of Bath RFC said, “The relationship between the amateur and professional clubs has never been stronger. Our long-term future at Lambridge is now secure and we can invest in the next generation of rugby players.”
Glen Stidever, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB 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.
“We are committed to working with Bath Rugby, the local community, and the Local Authority to deliver an exceptional store, in keeping with our company’s wider commitments to sustainability and that which is befitting of this location in Bath.
“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.”
Plans and initial proposals will be shared with the public and local businesses in due course ahead of any planning application being submitted to B&NES Council.”
This is the patch of land just to the left of the London Road junction with Gloucester Road. Must say safely getting traffic in and out of the supermarket at this point will be interesting.
Do we need another supermarket here? Is this ribbon development? Will it kill the Larkhall shops?
Well it’ll certainly generate plenty of additional car traffic. It’s a shame these local organisations always seem to go for the easy money – student housing and supermarkets.