Nottingham Forest have outlined an ambitious redevelopment of the City Ground that would raise the stadium’s capacity to around 52,000 and deliver the most significant upgrade in its 127-year history on the banks of the River Trent.
The plans, presented on Thursday, mark a major step forward in owner Evangelos Marinakis' long-term vision to modernise the club’s infrastructure and secure its place among the Premier League’s leading institutions.
Forest have repeatedly stressed their commitment to remaining at the City Ground, and Marinakis has been a driving force behind efforts to expand rather than relocate.
Since taking ownership, he has overseen investment across multiple departments and has consistently argued that the club requires a stadium befitting its ambitions. The new proposals reflect that stance, pairing substantial capacity growth with improved facilities for supporters and the wider community.
The redevelopment would take place in phases, beginning as early as next summer, subject to approval from Rushcliffe Borough Council. The initial stage focuses on rebuilding the Peter Taylor Stand and associated areas, increasing capacity to roughly 45,000.
A later redevelopment of the Brian Clough Stand could lift the figure to around 52,000, placing the City Ground alongside some of the biggest Premier League venues. Supporters, residents and stakeholders were shown the latest designs on Thursday, with East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward attending the event and praising the scale of the project.
Exciting times at the City Ground as @NFFC outline detailed plans to expand the ground to 45,000 & possibly up to 52,000. A vision for a transformation for not just the ground but the whole area. Backing from @MayorEastMids to this bold plan. #NFFC pic.twitter.com/3bUIE4J2OZ
— Steve Battlemuch (@Battlemuch4WW) December 4, 2025
Forest will formally submit their planning application on 15 December and are holding two public drop-in sessions to ensure feedback is incorporated at this early stage. The club have appointed KSS Group as lead architects — a firm known for its work on Liverpool’s Anfield Road expansion and several high-profile training ground developments.
Their involvement signals the seriousness of Forest’s approach and the intention to deliver a high-quality, modern Premier League stadium. If approved, work could begin in summer 2026, with Forest aiming to maintain matchday operations throughout the redevelopment. The project is expected to generate a significant economic boost locally while giving the club infrastructure capable of supporting sustained top-flight stability.
For Marinakis and Forest’s leadership, the proposals represent a clear statement of direction: investment in tradition, a commitment to the city, and a belief that the club can continue to grow both on and off the pitch. The coming months will determine whether the next chapter at the City Ground can begin, but the scale of the vision underlines Forest’s intent to build for the long term.