Nottingham Forest have taken a decisive step forward in their ambitious project to transform their historic City Ground stadium, submitting a formal planning application for a major expansion.
A New Era for a Historic Home
The club, which has played at its current riverside site since 1898, is seeking permission to redevelop the ground into a modern arena with a capacity of up to 52,000 seats. If approved, work could potentially begin as soon as this summer.
In a statement released on Monday 5 January 2026, the club expressed gratitude for the public support received during the consultation phase. "The Club is grateful for the positive public engagement and overwhelming support shown for our proposals ahead of the planning submission," officials said.
The statement also thanked key partners involved in the project, including Gleeds, KSS Design Group, Buro Happold, and Savills. Forest now await a decision from the local authorities, stating they "look forward to working with the mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as our supporters and the wider community, to achieve a successful outcome in the near future."
Marinakis Backs Major Investment
The redevelopment represents a significant investment from owner Evangelos Marinakis, who acquired the club in 2017. He purchased 100% of the shares from former owner, Kuwaiti businessman Fawaz Al-Hasawi.
This substantial financial commitment underscores Marinakis's long-term vision for the club, aiming to provide a stadium befitting its Premier League status and rich history.
Part of a Premier League-Wide Trend
The proposed regeneration of the City Ground is part of a wider trend of stadium development across England's top flight. Several other clubs are currently pursuing expansion or new-build projects:
- Fulham recently completed their new Riverside stand.
- Manchester City will open a new tier at the Etihad Stadium later this year.
- Leeds United have also submitted plans for an expansion.
- Chelsea continue to explore options for redeveloping Stamford Bridge.
- Newcastle United and Manchester United are examining possibilities for new stadiums.
- Crystal Palace have plans in place to enhance Selhurst Park.
Should the City Ground expansion proceed to its full 52,000 capacity, it would become the 13th largest stadium in Britain and the eighth biggest in the Premier League, marking a transformative moment for one of English football's most storied clubs.
