Bulwell MP backs Nottingham Forest plans for City Ground expansion
Bulwell MP Alex Norris is one of three city Labour MPs, along with Nadia Whittome and Lilian Greenwood who have issued a joint statement on the proposed expansion of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground
The MPs support the plans, which would increase stadium capacity from around 31,100 to around 52,500.
The statement said: “We support the redevelopment plans for the City Ground.
"This is an opportunity to celebrate and preserve our city’s heritage as home to a world-famous club, while boosting our local economy and creating well-paid, unionised jobs.
“The case for a bigger stadium has been clear for years, six consecutive seasons of sold-out games have meant that many thousands of local fans cannot see their team play on home turf, including a whole new generation of young supporters.
“Greater capacity will enable Forest to host major international matches in future tournaments, strengthening our visitor economy by putting Nottingham back on the map as a football city.”
Plans to expand the City Ground date back to 2019, but gained traction after the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
Planning permission for an earlier version was granted in summer 2023, followed by a revised vision in December.
This summer, the club submitted a transport strategy and transport plan to Rushcliffe Council setting out the expected impact on local roads and proposed mitigation.
The club has also submitted plans for a new club shop, proposed the permanent closure of two lanes on Trent Bridge for matchday pedestrians, agreed to contribute millions towards local infrastructure and confirmed it will rename the Bridgford Plaza after a historic player.
A provisional approval date of September 16 has been agreed between the club and the council.
The club had originally hoped for approval by May to allow work to begin in summer.
The statement also referred to the May announcement that the East Midlands Combined Authority will promote the area around the City Ground as the Trent Sports District.
It said: “We were particularly excited to hear East Midlands mayor Claire Ward (Lab) describe these proposals as integral to a wider development of a Trent Sports District.
“We recognise the importance of addressing the transport demands associated with an expanded stadium and trust partners will work together to agree a solution that works for everyone.”