Nottingham Forest have submitted fresh plans to dramatically expand the City Ground and increase its capacity to as much as 52,500. The Premier League club has updated proposals for its historic riverside home following talks with Rushcliffe Borough Council and other authorities.
Phased expansion of the stadium
The first phase would focus on replacing the Peter Taylor Stand and expanding the Trent End, taking capacity from just over 31,000 to around 45,000. A later redevelopment of the Brian Clough Stand could add another 7,500 seats, bringing the total capacity to 52,500.
The new Peter Taylor Stand would be a major multi-level structure featuring general admission seating, hospitality areas and media facilities.
Changes to the wider scheme
Forest have also made a number of changes to the wider scheme following consultation over transport, pedestrian movement and flood risk. The development area has been expanded, while the proposed Peter Taylor Stand has been moved further back to create more space for supporters around the stadium.
Changes have also been made behind the Trent End in an effort to improve natural light reaching the pitch.
Transport and planning applications
Transport is another major part of the proposals, with Forest preparing for the prospect of more than 20,000 additional supporters travelling to matches. Plans include a controlled parking zone around the ground and possible park-and-ride facilities, while the club also wants to encourage more fans to use public transport.
Two planning applications are currently being considered by Rushcliffe Borough Council. One seeks full permission for work on the Peter Taylor Stand and Trent End, while the other seeks outline approval for the Brian Clough Stand expansion.
Growing ambitions under owner
Forest have been working on plans to increase the size of the City Ground for several years. Earlier proposals were centred on increasing capacity to around 38,000, but the club's ambitions have grown significantly under owner Evangelos Marinakis. The wider redevelopment has previously been valued at around £130million.
If the full scheme goes ahead, the City Ground would increase in size by almost 70% and become one of the biggest club stadiums in English football.
