Three Nottingham MPs have backed Nottingham Forest’s plans to redevelop the City Ground, saying a larger stadium would support the local economy and allow more supporters to attend matches.
Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley, and Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, issued a joint statement supporting the proposals.
Forest has submitted two linked planning applications to Rushcliffe Borough Council as part of a phased redevelopment of its West Bridgford home.
The first phase would involve replacing the Peter Taylor Stand, expanding the Trent End corners and carrying out associated public realm works. It would increase the stadium’s capacity from just over 31,000 to approximately 45,000.
A separate outline application proposes replacing the Brian Clough Stand at a later stage, potentially increasing the final capacity to 52,500.
The MPs said: “We support Nottingham Forest Football Club’s redevelopment plans for the City Ground. This is a historic opportunity to celebrate and preserve our city’s proud heritage as home to a world-famous club, while boosting our local economy and creating well-paid, unionised jobs.
“The case for a bigger stadium has been clear for years: six consecutive seasons of sold-out games have meant that many thousands of local fans cannot see their team play on home turf, including a whole new generation of young supporters.
“Greater capacity will enable NFFC to host major international matches in future tournaments, strengthening our visitor economy by firmly putting Nottingham back on the map as a legendary football city.”
The MPs also welcomed East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward’s proposal for a wider Trent Sports District incorporating the City Ground and other sporting venues in the area.
They said: “We were particularly excited to hear Mayor Claire Ward describe these proposals as integral to a wider development of a Trent Sports District. Sports investment is vital to improving community cohesion and wellbeing.”
Transport remains one of the main issues under discussion as the planning applications are considered.
Forest’s supporting proposals include matchday parking restrictions, park-and-ride services and shuttle buses. Its transport assessment also includes an option to remove one traffic lane in each direction from Trent Bridge to provide more space for pedestrians.
Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council have said they cannot support the permanent removal of the lanes based on the evidence provided so far. The authorities have instead identified a new pedestrian and cycle bridge close to the stadium as their preferred option.
The MPs acknowledged that an expanded stadium would place additional demands on the transport network.
They said: “We recognise the importance of addressing the transport demands associated with an expanded stadium and trust partners will work together to agree a solution that works for everyone.”
A draft Section 106 agreement sets out more than £4.17 million in potential transport contributions from the club. It also covers matters including pedestrian safety, parking controls, flood defences and replacement facilities for Nottingham Rowing Club.
The agreement has not yet been completed or signed, while the principal stadium applications remain awaiting a decision from Rushcliffe Borough Council.
Also see a detailed City Ground redevelopment roundup and reports on the proposed £4.17 million transport package and calls for a new River Trent bridge.
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