Supporters speculate that it may only mark the beginning of site preparations for the club’s plans to fill the Trent End’s corners in order to boost the stadium’s capacity.
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.
Rushcliffe Borough Council has not yet granted planning approval, and the club has not yet verified the type of work being done. Supporters and representatives of nearby companies, on the other hand, viewed it favorably, pointing out that increased attendance on a matchday could result in more trade and the chance for fans to attend a game.
24-year-old Kieran Harlow, a news agent, stated: “I’m glad it’s over. It seems to be a major source of revenue and patronage for the community. One of West Bridgford’s top attractions, the field might use some improvement.
“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 concept shown in the planning documents called for the installation of 20 private hospitality pods, each of which could accommodate 18 fans, in order to raise the total number of supporters to 360.The club have reportedly taken inspiration from Stadium 974 used in the Qatar World Cup, the stadium built on 974 recycled shipping containers. Forest chairman Tom Cartledge previously said the Reds had been looking at ways to increase the 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.
Co-owner Jessica Beales of Cloughies Cob Stop on Pavillion Road expressed her excitement about the business’s expansion and hopes that it will increase trade on match days. On match days, it gets pretty busy and the atmosphere is great.
“The building work will affect us in a good way because all the workmen will come in here for their food,” the 44-year-old continued.
The following was stated in a planning document that Forest’s representatives, the internationally recognized architects BENOY, submitted: “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.
