Nottingham Forest unveil plan for ‘world class’ City Ground redevelopment

city-ground-redevelopment
The Peter Taylor Stand would be rebuilt under the plans. (Picture: Benoy)

Nottingham Forest have unveiled plans to redevelop the City Ground to a 38,000 capacity stadium.

Forest revealed the ambitious transformation as the club secured an extended lease on the site from Nottingham City Council.

At the heart of the project is a new, ‘world-class’ Peter Taylor Stand and improvements to the Trentside area, Brian Clough and Bridgford Stands.

“The proposals illustrate the long-term strategy and commitment of the owner, Mr Evangelos Marinakis, to fully rebuild the football club,” the club said in a statement.

A planning application must be submitted and approved first before building work can begin, but the club hope to begin work at the end of the 2019-20 season.

A period of “consultation and engagement with the relevant supporter groups” will be completed first.

The multi-million pound investment would become the first major work done on the City Ground since 1994.

Video: Forest released footage showing how the ground would look after the re-build.

In a statement club owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “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.”

The new Peter Taylor Stand will see the introduction of facilities including a museum, a new club shop, range of hospitality lounge options and restaurants and executive boxes.

It would also feature concourses for general-admission supporters as well as improved facilities for supporters with disabilities and a substantial increase in wheelchair spaces.

Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Trust said in a statement: “This investment ensures that we will remain at our historic home on the banks of the Trent, guaranteeing that many future generations of Reds will experience the mist rolling in across the world-famous City Ground turf.

“The Trust will now embark on a central role in the fan consultation around the development of the new stand. We will work closely with the club to ensure the wishes and needs of all supporters are considered and factored in.

“We will start this process at the next meeting with the club which is expected in the next two weeks.”

Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is important news for the city and we were happy to work with Nottingham Forest to help make it happen.

“We’re lucky enough to have a rich sporting heritage in the city. This redevelopment will enable Forest, with an eye on hosting major fixtures into the future, to modernise and improve their stadium by creating world-class facilities to be enjoyed by the people of the city.

“This significant investment from the owner of the club, Evangelos Marinakis, portrays not only a financial commitment but also illustrates his ambition to give something back to the city which we can all benefit from.

“Nottingham already boasts a world-class cricket ground, an elite-level ice hockey team and international-quality tennis facilities. The planned redevelopment of The City Ground will cement the reputation as a renowned sporting venue.”

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