New Stadium – Reality Or A Pipe Dream?

Twelve months ago Forest supporters first heard news that we were to up sticks and move into a shiny new home. A ground that would have a 50,000 capacity and one that would also host games in the 2018 World Cup, should the England bid be successful.

The first mutterings suggested that the new ground would be built near Clifton, on the A453, but from the outset this was met with stiff opposition, not only from local residents, but Nottingham City Council as well. NCC argued that the infrastructure needed for such a plan to take place was unfeasible and they had plans for us to develop land at Colwick, or Holme Pierpoint.

At present, Forest are keeping very quiet on the subject, as their ‘prefered location’ was always to build on land alongside the A453 at Clifton Pastures. Fans opposed to the idea would much prefer redevelopment of the City Ground, but this seems something the club are unwilling to do, as it has limitations in terms of capacity and the land is owned by the City Council.

At present there seems to be something of a stand off between NFFC and NCC. They’d love us to move, because the City Ground and more to the point, the land it stands on is worth a fortune. Redevelopment of the City Ground by NCC would bring in millions in terms of housing, commerce and leisure facilities.

The only thing that does seem certain at the moment, is that NCC want us to move house, but we we don’t want to go to where they want us to. If and when these plans ever get off the ground, we have to figure out how we are going to fill a 50,000 seater stadium every week. Apart from that, it’s a grand idea.