Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved Nottingham Forest’s plans for amendments to The City Ground including a new stand increasing capacity and associated residential development.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson, said: “Both sides have shown commitment to get the application through and do the very best for the club, the supporters and Rushcliffe itself.
“We appreciate Nottingham Forest is a very keen partner of the council. They bring a huge amount of business right across the Borough. We’re absolutely delighted that this application has now been passed and we look forward to working with them going forward.”
The proposals consisted of a full planning application for the redevelopment of the Peter Taylor stand, including the demolition of existing buildings/structures, new public realm and car parking, and an outline planning application for up to 170 residential units.
The stand redevelopment will see it replaced with a new three tier scheme, increasing capacity and enhancing facilities. The new stand’s primary uses include seating for spectators, players and match official facilities, media facilities, premium hospitality, conference facilities and staff accommodation.
The residential scheme, meanwhile, is to be housed in a 13 floor development with vehicle and cycle parking, commercial floor space, back of house and plant spaces, access and support facilities at the ground floor, additional vehicle parking and resident amenity space at first floor level followed by 11 levels of mixed sized residential units and roof top plant/terrace areas.
A committee report said: “It is considered that the proposal would contribute towards the regeneration of the area through optimising the use of brownfield sites and by enhancing the local economy.
“It would also be an opportunity to improve the financial sustainability of NFFC, retaining its home in the Borough, which would maintain its heritage and identity and help secure and expand its existing community and sporting role in the region.
“The proposed new housing, commercial uses, and environmental improvements (in the form of a plaza) would add to this regeneration, provide housing choice, and help stimulate local economic activity.”
Ben Dorks, CEO of Nottingham-headquartered global software company Ideagen, Principal Club Partners of Nottingham Forest, sponsor of their Academy and women’s development squad and partner of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: “Nottingham is an ambitious city, home to globally successful businesses, two world-renowned universities and now a top-flight club in one of the most televised leagues in the world.
“The development of the City Ground will mean Forest will have a stadium that matches that ambition and I for one can’t wait to see it, sit in it and celebrate three points in it.”
