Nottingham Forest announce major stadium redevelopment
Nottingham Forest have revealed that they are set to embark on a major redevelopment of the City Ground that will take it up to a 38,000 capacity stadium.
The news comes after “extensive negotiations” with Nottingham City Council for an extended lease on the City Ground.
This extended lease means the club are now able to move forward with plans to redevelop the City Ground and surrounding area. Forest say they will create a new Peter Taylor Stand and undertake improvements to the Trentside area, Brian Clough and Bridgford stands.
The new Peter Taylor Stand will include a museum, a new club shop, range of hospitality lounge options and restaurants and executive boxes. There will also be concourses for general-admission supporters as well as improved facilities for supporters with disabilities and a substantial increase in wheelchair spaces.
The club says it will now enter a period of consultation and engagement with the relevant supporter groups before making the necessary planning application.
Subject to the relevant consents the club are hopeful that building work will commence at the end of the 2019-20 season. The new stadium will see The City Ground’s capacity become the highest in the East Midlands, reaching 38,000 after completion.
A statement from Forest said: “Even the previous redevelopment projects are dwarfed by the scale of the investment proposed in the new plans. The proposals illustrate the long-term strategy and commitment of the owner, Mr Evangelos Marinakis, to fully rebuild the football club.”
The stadium upgrade is the first work to be done on the City Ground in 25 years.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “We have made steady progress since our arrival and you, the fans, have been central to this. The record season-card figures and the record average attendances illustrate your passion and backing to our team and our vision.
“From the very beginning our strategy has been not to make promises but to deliver. We were clear when we said we wanted our actions to speak louder than our words. After more than a year of consultation, we are now delighted to be able to present you our vision for The New City Ground.
“I would like to thank Councillors Jon Collins and Simon Robinson and all the representatives of both the City and Rushcliffe Borough councils for their co-operation and engagement in this project.
“The City Ground has iconic history and memories for our supporters and these legacies were fundamental in our decision us to remain on the banks of the River Trent and not relocating to an alternative site. This is our home and we will remain here forever.
“We want our supporters to play an important role in the decision-making of the club. Our intention is to now consult with our supporters and the wider Nottingham public to gain your views before making a formal planning application. I encourage you all to participate.
“This investment is about our club and the city of Nottingham and we are all committed together to deliver a place that we will all feel proud of, The New City Ground, our home forever.”
Newark architect Benoy will design the new stadium.
