City Ground redevelopment plans could be hit by delay

Nottingham Forest fans may have to wait until next year to see any movement on the proposed redevelopment of the City Ground, a new report has claimed.

According to The Athletic, plans to increase the capacity of the Peter Taylor Stand could be put back until 2024 while the club weighs up the “pros and cons” of when to demolish the existing structure.

Work was slated to begin this summer following the conclusion of the Premier League season, but the club is understood to be considering a delayed kick-off due to increased demand from supporters who would miss out next term if Forest’s home fixtures are played in front of just three stands.

It is unclear precisely when the work will begin, as the Reds would surely face the same problem in the first half of 2024 – especially if they manage to secure their place in the top flight for another season.

The intricacies of redeveloping a stadium in an established residential area are also understood to be behind the delay.

Plans to add 5,000 seats to the Peter Taylor Stand and create a 169-flat residential block at the ground, as well a raft of hospitality improvements, were finally green lit by Rushcliffe Borough Council in July last year.

Last year, Forest said the redeveloped stadium would contribute £802m to the local economy over the next decade.

In a statement, the club said the project was “crucial to maintaining [its] status in the Premier League and all of the benefits to the local community and economy which this status brings.”

Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis recently reaffirmed his commitment to the club by converting £41m worth of debt into equity.