Nottingham Forest plan demolitions for City Ground expansion
Nottingham Forest FC say the demolition of houses near the stadium will allow them to move ahead more quickly with a planned expansion, with a decision on the club’s wider plans expected later this year.
The club has lodged two applications with Rushcliffe Borough Council to demolish five houses behind the Bridgford End Stand, part of long-awaited plans to expand the capacity of the City Ground.
Wider proposals lodged earlier this year include the redevelopment of the Peter Taylor Stand and the extension of the southern corner of the Bridgford End, a stand which was originally constructed ahead of the Euro 96 football tournament two decades ago.
The redeveloped City Ground stadium is included in wider proposals for the regeneration of Nottingham, known as the Trent Sports Village, which will see several of the city’s world-class sporting venues linked by a wider scheme.
The club says the demolition of 27 Roseberry Avenue, and 21 and 23 Colwick Road will give them a “significant programme advantage”, assuming the stadium redevelopment plans are rubber stamped by Rushcliffe council later this year.
Capacity at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground could top 52,000 under new proposals. Credit: NFFC
A covering letter supplied by Savills with the demolition application said the demolitions would allow them to complete utility and infrastructure works ahead of the main programme kicking off later this year.
“NFFC has two live planning applications under the consideration of Rushcliffe Borough Council for the redevelopment of the City Ground to deliver world-class stadia improvements.
“While good progress is being made on the assessment and determination of this application, to facilitate the redevelopment with minimal disruption to the ongoing operations of the City Ground and seasonal constraints, it is essential NFFC undertake various aspects of enabling development as soon as possible.
“The demolition of selected buildings onsite in advance of full planning permission will result in a significant programme advantage. This is because NFFC can then commence building the new stands once pre-commencement conditions have been discharged with the various demolition, enabling, and site preparatory works already having been undertaken.”
The work is expected to start in September, and is planned to take around two months.
Documents and plans relating to the application can be found on Rushcliffe Borough Council’s planning portal using reference: 26/01134/DEMOL
Have they told the residents of these houses?
By Robin Hood