A projected refurbishment of the City Ground has sparked disagreement among Nottingham Forest supporters as the team explores transferring to a new location.
Matt Drewitt, an architect based in Nottingham, has created alternative blueprints for the Reds’ home. He claims that demolishing the stadium and reconstructing with the pitch at a different angle would allow Forest to remain in their current position with a larger capacity.
In recent days, Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis and chairman Tom Cartledge have openly discussed the notion of constructing a new stadium overseas. A site near Toton, several miles from Nottingham city centre, has been suggested as a possible location.
Marinakis believes that developing a 50,000-seater stadium and a new training area on the same campus will “elevate the club to the next level”. He has stated that moving to a larger facility would “set the club on the right path”.
However, such a plan has divided the fanbase. Some advocates see the benefits of raising sticks, while others strongly disagree.
Drewitt, who studied in the city and discussed his ideas with his Forest-supporting best buddy, feels he has devised a feasible answer. He wants his invention to be viewed as an alternative to what is feasible at Forest’s existing site and a means of initiating conversation, rather than trampling on anyone’s toes. His proposal undoubtedly achieved the latter. Below is a sampling of what admirers have said about Drewitt’s designs, which can be viewed in full here.
Pops51: Looks brilliant, love it
Stevenotts01: Great idea love the initial plans
kieren: Good looking ground and add in the possibility of putting an underground car park in massively improves parking capacity and would gain extra revenue from there as well.
ford10hh: Two important points what is the estimated costs, second where will Forest play for the estimated two year build?
Jobsoworth2021: Epic. Get it built.
Redwazza: If we can stay where we are then not opposed to redeveloping site. Need to make sure some consultation happens with fans though so we get the stadium we all want.
reddogdaz: So where will they play there home games whilst this hideous change is being constructed?
Watermark: Looks awful but that’s just my opinion. What’s that roof???
GGGrumper: My main concern would relate to the increased amount of car parking space that would be needed. Also – where would all the other ‘ventures’ be sited?
Chaotic: Time to move on. Don’t be held to ransom.
RedFaced: Looks brilliant. The 21st Century and beyond.
@YouAreMyForest: Looks hideous in my humble opinion.
@Hillereal: This is very interesting…an impressive idea for staying at the City Ground site, if it’s possible, land and planning-wise…
@Neil_Bower: You couldn’t do this. It would cast a shadow over the houses.
@DianneScatterg2: Horribl.
@SteveNeale70: Exactly the idea i posted earlier, so clearly others thinking the same and this looks brilliant. Need to think outside the box. Love the pontoon idea, mine I’ve got the tram going over the Trent through to holme p. There’s no need to move.
@funkstarphil: This is an idea I could get behind! Looks phenomenal at first glance, and ticks a number of boxes. Love the idea of pontoon access for boats in front of the ground, opening up potential water taxi ideas for enhanced access
@rtones: This seems like a sensible solution if it’s possible, buy the freehold, bulldoze the existing ground and build a new one on the site
