Nottingham Forest’s ambitious redevelopment plan is expected to take another step forward next week.
The plot of land leased from Nottingham City Council to the Reds for their ground will be extended both in time and size, to give the club the space it needs for the stadium expansion.
Forest’s redeveloped home will see capacity increase to 38,000, making it the largest football stadium in the East Midlands.
A new Peter Taylor Stand will be built, while the Bridgford Stand will also be increased and other areas of the stadium will be significantly redeveloped.
Around 240 new homes are also proposed on the site, with plans for a new hotel as well.
To help them achieve this, the council is expected to agree to cancel the lease that Forest currently have, and immediately replace it with a new, larger plot.
The previous lease lasted another 50 years, but this new lease will last 250 years, meaning Forest can potentially cement the City Ground as their home until the year 2269.
For commercial reasons, the cost of the lease has not been made public.
The council said: “A new lease will be granted to replace their existing lease. This new lease will include an enlarged area of management and will also result in Forest creating improved facilities for several rowing clubs as well as residential accommodation.
“The whole project will ensure the club remains on its historic site for many years, create a fit-for-purpose stadium that will be the largest in the East Midland and allow them to bring high profile sporting events to the city.”
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We share Nottingham Forest’s ambition for their redeveloped ground and have been pleased to work with them on the project.
"We understand what a huge difference it will make to Nottingham to have such a top-level sporting venue.
“We’re lucky that we have a proud sporting heritage in the city. Nottingham already boasts a world-class cricket ground, an elite-level ice hockey team and international-quality tennis facilities.
This redevelopment of the City Ground will cement the reputation as a renowned sporting venue.
Councillor Mellen added: “It also forms part of the wider Nottingham Southside regeneration with £2 billion of developments across a 0.5 square mile area.
“This includes the redevelopment of intu Broadmarsh, rebuilding the Broadmarsh car park and creating a new Central Library, transforming Nottingham Castle, the new Nottingham College City Hub and a pedestrian-friendly environment for the area, as well as the Island Site development, new Grade-A office spaces and opportunities for further housing and residential developments.
“These exciting changes represent a new era for Nottingham, bringing thousands more jobs, millions more visitors and economic growth for the benefit of the entire city.”
A decision on the new lease is expected to be approved at a meeting of Nottingham City Council's executive board on Tuesday, June 18.
