Exciting plans to redevelop Nottingham Forest's City Ground stadium into a world-class sporting venue have taken a step further.
Overall proposals for the development will see the capacity of the ground increase to 38,000 - making it the biggest in the East Midlands - and about 240 news homes and a hotel created. Remaining stands will also be improved.
The Reds' vision has now moved forward after Nottingham City Council agreed to grant the club a 250-year lease on the site, next to the River Trent.
It means the £100m-plus project can get under way next summer, which has delighted chairman Nicholas Randall.
He said: “ When we announced our plans for the redevelopment of the stadium , we recognised the importance to remain at our iconic home.
“We understand what it means not only to our supporters but also for the people of the city and we are now delighted to have secured our lease for a further 250 years.
“We have been speaking to representatives of key groups involved in the redevelopment planning and will continue to do so to ensure the stadium is a place we all feel proud of.”
Councillor David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said the local authority shared the Reds’ ambitions to rejuvenate the Trentside area, and help turn the stadium into one which would bring wide-reaching benefit.
“We share Nottingham Forest’s ambition for their redeveloped ground and have been pleased to work with them on the project.
"We understand what a huge difference it will make to Nottingham to have such a top-level sporting venue,” said Mellen.
“ We’re lucky that we have a proud sporting heritage in the city . Nottingham already boasts a world-class cricket ground, an elite-level ice hockey team and international-quality tennis facilities.
“This redevelopment of the City Ground will cement the reputation as a renowned sporting venue.
“It also forms part of the wider Nottingham Southside regeneration with £2bn of developments across a 0.5 square mile area.
“These exciting changes represent a new era for Nottingham, bringing thousands more jobs, millions more visitors and economic growth for the benefit of the entire city.”
The fresh lease means Forest would be able to stay at the City Ground until the year 2269.
