Featured image credit: Bath Rugby
Ahead of TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit in Manchester in December, we caught up with Gené Willis, Operations Director at Bath Rugby.
Willis joined Bath Rugby in June, having spent over seven years at former Premiership club Worcester Warriors. She joined the Warriors in April 2016, initially as Safety Officer, before adding the roles of Head of Operations, Head of Sustainability and COVID-19 Manager to her responsibilities.
Bath Rugby submitted plans for a new 18,000-capacity stadium to Bath & North East Somerset Council at the end of September. The application proposed a stadium with enhanced accessibility provisions and a “contemporary and sensitive” design…
TheStadiumBusiness: What’s exciting you in the field of stadium design at present?
Gené Willis: “The use of new, modern technology with a strong push on sustainable considerations within the designs for new builds, as well as the integration of complementary new designs within existing structures and buildings when renovating or upgrading.”
TSB: What’s in the pipeline for Bath Rugby over the next six to 12 months?
GW: “We are the first sports ground to submit a planning application in a Heritage City. The submission for our planned redevelopment has gone in and closed on 4th November for comments of support (and otherwise!).
“We are hoping it will go to committee in early 2024 so we can get started on the exciting prospect of a new stadium for the club, city and community and of course for rugby.
“The plans also include the regeneration of the riverside in the heart of the city, the creation of significant sporting and community benefits for all, whilst ensuring that the club continues to provide a considerable contribution to the city’s economy for decades to come.”
TSB: What are you most looking forward to about the Summit?
GW: “Meeting new connections, finding out what other venues are doing and getting hints and tips on how to handle the plethora of people who all want to get on board and ‘help’ you with your redevelopment!”
Explore the future of stadium design with Gené and hundreds of other stadium industry leaders, exclusively at #TDS23 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester on December 6-7.
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