Forest get go-ahead for Academy campus expansion

Nottingham Forest have been given the go-ahead to expand their Academy campus – in a new development which will include a private suite for owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Plans by by Newark-based architect Benoy for the Nigel Doughty Academy off Wilford Lane in West Bridgford were revealed in July.

According to Benoy, the new building will outline “a small extension to the existing building which will improve the working environment for the existing staff and to create a suite for the owner of the club to be able to conduct his private business.”

Developers will build a small, double height extension to the existing First Team building and to build out over the existing terrace at the first floor.

A statement from Benoy said: “The purpose of this additional space is to create a private suite for the owner. This space will allow him to host guest and have meetings within the Training Building away from general staff and players.

“Further to this, the current set up within the facility means that many of the technical and coaching staff are office sharing.

“This isn’t an ideal scenario which has driven the need for extra accommodation to ease the spacing issues.

“In addition there is a growing requirement for players recovery and massage.”

The news comes after Forest submitted a screening request to extend the City Ground to a 36,000-capacity stadium as part of the first phase of a £100m redevelopment programme.