work appears to start on Nottingham Forest City Ground improvements

Anticipation is building among Nottingham Forest supporters that initial works may have started on the redevelopment of the City Ground. In recent days, a crane and contractors have arrived at the corner of the Trent End and Peter Taylor Stand.

Although the Reds remain tight-lipped, supporters believe it might just signal the start of the site preparations in the club’s ambitions to increase the capacity of the stadium by filling the corners of the Trent End with more than a dozen hospitality pods.

Planning permission has yet to be passed by Rushcliffe Borough Council and the club are yet to confirm the nature of the works taking place. However, supporters and officials from neighbouring businesses saw it as positive, saying greater numbers on a matchday could lead to more trade, and the opportunity for fans to experience a game.

Newsagent worker, Kieran Harlow, 24, said: “I’m happy for it to be done. I think it brings a lot of customers and income to the area. It’s one of the main attractions in West Bridgford and the ground does need upgrading.

“When you look around grounds in the Premier League, a lot of them are a lot more up-to-date and modern.” The former Forest season ticket holder spoke also about the current demand for tickets and that any capacity increase would be beneficial for fans.

He added: “With games selling out every single week, a lot of fans aren’t able to go to the football so if the stadium increases in any capacity, that will benefit them as more fans will be able to go and see their club.”

The plans came to light just before Christmas, with a planning application put forward to create two new hospitality areas made from modified shipping containers at either corner of the Trent End, between the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor stands respectively.

The planning documents outlined a vision to install 20 private hospitality pods, each pod with a capacity for 18 fans, to increase the overall capacity by 360 supporters.