Latest Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive including an update on the club’s plans to introduce a safe-standing area
It has been reported that Nottingham Forest is thinking of joining the other Premier League team to add a safe-standing section to the City Ground.
Such fan areas are already present at teams like Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Luton Town, and Manchester City. As part of a pilot initiative, the government had previously decided in 2021 that clubs in the Premier League and Championship would be permitted to offer licenced standing areas starting on January 1, 2022.
The Athletic claims that Forest is looking at the potential of being the second team in the top division to implement safe-standing. Internal discussions are taking place at the club, and one of the topics being discussed is the bottom level of the Bridgford Stand.
Forest chairman Tom Cartledge has stated that the team is in a “pro-safe standing” situation, although he also hinted that changes might be made later in the season. Cartledge told the Athletic, “We are working with FAB and SAG on where is the optimum place, not just for next season but going forward.”
To bring the stadium’s capacity to 40,000, the club also plans to replace the Peter Taylor Stand, upgrade the Bridgford Stand’s roof, and add extra seats. Another location being considered for a rail-seat development is the Peter Taylor Stand corner, which is close to the Bridgford Stand.
With that said, the club would have to weigh up whether it’s worth the substantial cost of changing this section, given the stand could potentially be knocked down within a year.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis is willing to provide the funding for the redesigned City Ground, which should be completed by the end of 2027. However, the renovation of the stadium is contingent upon Forest and Nottingham City Council, the landowner, working out their differences.
Either the council would have to approve the club’s purchase of the freehold, or the lease would need to be extended. As per the conditions of a 50-year lease approved in 2011, Forest is supposed to pay £250,000 annually; however, it is alleged that the council wants nearly four times that much before agreeing to a lengthier contract.
The talks have come to a standstill after the council declared itself insolvent in November and filed a section 114 notice.
For more updates visit https://sportupdates.co.uk/
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