Anticipation is building among Nottingham Forest supporters that initial works may have started on the redevelopment of the City Ground. In recent days, a crane and contractors have arrived at the corner of the Trent End and Peter Taylor Stand.
Although the Reds remain tight-lipped, supporters believe it might just signal the start of the site preparations in the club’s ambitions to increase the capacity of the stadium by filling the corners of the Trent End with more than a dozen hospitality pods.
Planning permission has yet to be passed by Rushcliffe Borough Council, and the club has yet to confirm the nature of the works taking place. However, supporters and officials from neighboring businesses saw it as positive, saying greater numbers on a matchday could lead to more trade and the opportunity for fans to experience a game.
Newsagent worker, Kieran Harlow, 24, said: “I’m happy for it to be done. I think it brings a lot of customers and income to the area. It’s one of the main attractions in West Bridgford and the ground does need upgrading.
When you look around grounds in the Premier League, a lot of them are a lot more up-to-date and modern.” The former Forest season ticket holder spoke also about the current demand for tickets and that any capacity increase would be beneficial for fans.
He added: “With games selling out every single week, a lot of fans aren’t able to go to the football so if the stadium increases in any capacity, that will benefit them as more fans will be able to go and see their club.”
The plans came to light just before Christmas, with a planning application put forward to create two new hospitality areas made from modified shipping containers at either corner of the Trent End, between the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor stands respectively.
The planning documents outlined a vision to install 20 private hospitality pods, each pod with a capacity for 18 fans, to increase the overall capacity by 360 supporters.
The club has reportedly taken inspiration from Stadium 974, used in the Qatar World Cup; the stadium was built on 974 recycled shipping containers. Forest chairman Tom Cartledge previously said the Reds had been looking at ways to increase attendance in the short term.
The development is believed to be a temporary measure ahead of the wider, multi-million-pound redevelopment of the City Ground. A central part of the long-term vision for the City Ground is to increase the capacity of the Peter Taylor Stand by knocking it down and rebuilding it.
Approval was given by Rushcliffe Borough Council in the summer of 2022, but work is yet to start as certain conditions need to be met – including the demolition and relocation of boathouses beside the River Trent.
Documents recently submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council clarified every pod would be equipped with a dedicated hospitality area that would include a kitchenette and have “unobstructed views” of the pitch.
Jessica Beales, co-owner of Cloughies Cob Stop on Pavillion Road, said: “I’m excited that its expanding and hopefully it brings more trade in on a match day. It’s really busy and the atmosphere is really good on match days.”
The 44-year-old added: “The building work will affect us in a good way because all the workmen will come in here for their food.”
In a planning document, submitted by the word-renowned architects BENOY on behalf of Forest, a statement read: “The application proposed provides a temporary solution to provide additional premium seating, responding to the growing needs of the club’s fanbase.
“Furthermore, this strategic approach empowers the club to augment its commercial activities on match days, aligning seamlessly with the stringent fan engagement and inclusivity standards set by the Premier League.”
The planning application is pending consideration by Rushcliffe Borough Council. The news comes ahead of a crunch home clash with West Ham United at the City Ground on Saturday (February 17). The Reds under Nuno Espírito Santo are desperate for a win, having lost three of their last four Premier League games.
The Reds sit just two places above the relegation zone and are in search of must-needed points in their fight for survival. Nottinghamshire Live has contacted the club about the works taking place at the ground.
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