Nottingham’s Forest Sports Zone set for £1.9m upgrade

Schools and residents groups are set to benefit from two rebuilt sports pitches and extended changing rooms, as part of a football-club backed project to upgrade community facilities in the city.

Nottingham Forest launched plans to upgrade the Forest Sports Zone, the base of operations for the club’s community trust, in July last year.

Under the proposals, both existing all‑weather pitches will be replaced. The current 3G pitch will receive a brand‑new playing surface, upgraded infill and improved LED lighting. while the next-door pitch will be completely rebuilt and upgraded to a full 3G surface, providing a high‑quality, year‑round training and match environment.

The redevelopment will also include an extension to the existing changing room building, with a new two‑storey entrance, expanded office space and a dedicated community area set to create a “welcoming and functional hub” for local clubs, groups and visitors.

A total of £1m of funding for the project has been provided by the Football Foundation, with the Nottingham Forest Community Trust chipping in around £625,000. The remainder of the funding has been provided by the city council.

Cllr Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Climate, Energy and Nature said the authority was “absolutely delighted” with the club’s oplans.

“These improvements will make a real difference for the local players, clubs, schools and the wider community, providing high‑quality facilities that everyone can be proud of,” she said.

“The partnership behind this project shows what can be achieved when organisations work together for the benefit of Nottingham residents, and I’m excited to see the upgraded site take shape.”

Opened as the Forest Sports Zone in 2015, Nottingham Forest Community Trust, the charitable arm of Nottingham Forest Football Club, has managed and operated the facility seven days per week and is regarded as one of the most used sports facilities in the UK, attracting on average over 2,000 facility users per week.

Calum Osborne, Chief Executive of Nottingham Forest Community Trust, added: “This significant investment will ensure the Forest Sports Zone continues to provide high-quality, accessible facilities for local people.

“The site also holds a special connection to Nottingham Forest’s heritage, as the club’s original home, helping to maintain a presence in the heart of the city while delivering real benefits for the community, now and for years to come.

“This exciting project is a strong example of what can be achieved through effective partnership, with Nottingham City Council and the Football Foundation working alongside us to deliver lasting impact for local communities.”

The facility will close for a period of approximately five weeks from 18 May 2026, with a partial reopening in the summer, followed by a full reopening in autumn 2026.

Architects Benoy provided drawings for the scheme.