Nottingham Forest announce delay to City Ground redevelopment
Construction & Build
Significant backing still being given to Nottingham Forest’s stadium redevelopment project.
The Reds have put back work on the City Ground ‘due to delays in the planning process.’
Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards says she is “very supportive” of Nottingham Forest’s proposed stadium redevelopment plans.
The Reds today announced they have delayed the project to transform the City Ground “due to delays in the planning process”.
Work had been due to start this summer on rebuilding the Peter Taylor Stand to an increased 10,000 capacity. But with planning approval not yet granted, that has been put on hold.
A few days before the government’s latest coronavirus advice was issued, Edwards met with Forest chairman Nicholas Randall at the City Ground to discuss the proposals for the stadium and a residential development next to it.
“The City Ground is an iconic stadium in English football but it needs redevelopment to allow the club to move forward with its ambitions and I am very supportive of what Nicholas and the owners are trying to achieve,” she said.
“These are exciting plans for a new Peter Taylor Stand and a residential development which will be a striking addition to the cityscape along the river.
“People are rightly focused on coronavirus at the moment but we need to make sure that big investment projects, like this, are still moving forward.
“This redevelopment will benefit not only Forest itself but will also bring extra trade to many local businesses.
“I sincerely hope the planning application is approved very soon as the club needs certainty, and the community, as well as Forest fans everywhere, will want to see the club able to plan for the future.”
Forest had said of the change to their plans: “The club had planned that major construction work would begin in May this year, however due to delays in the planning process the club is not in a position to start the development at the end of the current season.
“As a result the club has made the decision to allow season card holders in the Peter Taylor Stand the chance to renew their seat.
“The club remains fully committed to the project and will continue to work towards securing all the relevant approvals, and is evaluating the options for the new timescales in order to minimise disruption for supporters.”
Written by Sarah Clapson - Nottinghamshire Live