June 24 – Nottingham Forest’s long-delayed plans to redevelop the City Ground are set to go before local council planners on Thursday, potentially unlocking the next phase of a stadium expansion project first unveiled six years ago.
The Premier League club originally announced the redevelopment in 2019, with planning permission granted in 2022. However, subsequent revisions have required the plans to return to Rushcliffe Borough Council’s planning committee later this month.
The central element of the project is the demolition and reconstruction of the Peter Taylor Stand. The proposed new stand will double its current capacity from 5,000 to 10,000 seats and will be the anchor for a larger regeneration of the riverside stadium site, which has been Forest’s home since 1898.
While much of the stadium expansion has received support, some aspects – especially around neighbouring structures – remain contentious. A number of buildings, including Forest’s own club shop, champion centre and warehouse, will be demolished to make way for a new 13-storey apartment complex. The club shop will be relocated to the base of a new building integrated into the redeveloped Peter Taylor Stand, which will also include hospitality areas overlooking the River Trent.
Rushcliffe’s planners have approved removing most of the modern buildings around the City Ground, but the proposed demolition of the historic Britannia boathouse has become a bit of a headache for the club. Forest will have to find a replacement site for the Nottingham Rowing Club before it can be torn down, adding yet another potential delay to a seemingly endless project.
The stadium’s revamp is part of Forest’s broader ambition to modernise their infrastructure and grow matchday revenue, particularly after re-establishing themselves in the Premier League. Last season was a particular success, having finished in a UEFA Conference League place which should line them up nicely for a bit of silverware should they take the competition seriously.
That being said, the club were inches from a place in next season’s Champions League after spending most the season in the top four, dropping out of the race on the final matchday with a 2-0 loss to Chelsea, who leapfrogged them.
Still, the club will financially benefit from their European qualification and are expected to stay in the Premier League for years to come, having significantly strengthened their squad in recent windows.
Once the redevelopment is completed, the City Ground’s capacity would exceed 35,000—enhancing both the club’s commercial potential and fan experience in one of English football’s most historic venues.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1750795566labto1750795566ofdlr1750795566owedi1750795566sni@g1750795566niwe.1750795566yrrah1750795566