City Ground Enters a New Era
Nottingham Forest has taken a decisive step toward reshaping its future with the formal submission of planning applications to redevelop the City Ground. The announcement signals one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the club’s modern history, while reaffirming a deep respect for a stadium that has stood at the heart of Forest for more than 120 years.
The redevelopment plans aim to transform the City Ground into a modern, sustainable, and iconic venue, while preserving its identity along the banks of the River Trent. Once completed, the project would increase stadium capacity to more than 50,000, allowing Forest to meet growing demand and compete at the highest level both on and off the pitch.
Marinakis Investment Shapes the Vision
The project will be fully funded by club owner Evangelos Marinakis, whose continued investment reflects a long-term commitment to Nottingham Forest and the city itself. The redevelopment is designed not only to enhance the matchday experience, but also to serve as a catalyst for economic growth across Nottingham and the wider East Midlands region.
Club officials have emphasized that the stadium project extends far beyond football. It is expected to generate jobs, attract visitors, and stimulate local businesses, while delivering a landmark venue that aligns with modern environmental standards.
Community Support and Collaboration
Forest acknowledged the strong public engagement shown during the consultation process, noting widespread backing from supporters and residents alike. That support played a key role in reaching the planning submission stage and has reinforced confidence in the project’s long-term value.
The club also expressed appreciation for its professional partners, including Gleeds, KSS Design Group, Buro Happold, and Savills, who have contributed expertise across design, engineering, and planning.
Working With Local Authorities
Attention now turns to collaboration with local and regional authorities. Forest will work closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council, and Nottinghamshire County Council to move the project toward approval.
The club has stressed its intention to maintain an open dialogue with supporters and the wider community as the process continues. Forest believes that cooperation and transparency will be vital in achieving a successful outcome.
If approved, the City Ground redevelopment would represent a defining chapter in the club’s history. It would honor the past, serve the present, and lay foundations for a future where Nottingham Forest matches its ambitions with world-class infrastructure.
“Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the submission of planning applications for the redevelopment of the City Ground.
Our home for over 120 years will see a significant investment made by our owner, Evangelos Marinakis, to deliver a sustainable and iconic design which increases the stadium’s capacity to over 50,000. The redevelopment will be an integral part of the economic growth of the city and the wider region.
The Club is grateful for the positive public engagement and overwhelming support shown for our proposals ahead of the planning submission. We would also like to thank to our key partners, Gleeds, KSS Design Group, Buro Happold, and Savills for their support to date.
We look forward to working with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as our supporters and the wider community, to achieve a successful outcome in the near future.”
