Nottingham Forest proposed ‘stunning’ new City Ground concept to manage extra 20k supporters

Nottingham Forest could be served by a new tram stop above a proposed River Trent bridge as part of plans to manage the extra 20,000 supporters expected at the expanded City Ground.

The concept would see a four-platform NET tram stop built above a new pedestrian and cycle crossing, providing a direct connection to the stadium while also opening up wider regeneration opportunities on both sides of the Trent.

Forest have been given the green light to increase capacity at their historic West Bridgford home, but before work can begin, the club must set out detailed plans for managing the additional crowds on matchdays.

New bridge could transform access to City Ground

Forest have been given the go-ahead to increase capacity at the City Ground from 30,000 to 45,000 in the first stage of the redevelopment.

The Peter Taylor Stand will be rebuilt and the Trent End corners filled in, while a later extension to the Brian Clough Stand would take capacity to 52,000.

The club must first set out detailed plans for managing the additional supporters on matchdays, with a new River Trent crossing now being considered.

Nottingham architect Matthew Drewitt has proposed a two-phase bridge called Via Garibaldi, which would connect land in front of the former Environment Agency building to the Homes England Waterside development.

The first phase would provide a pedestrian and cycle crossing, while the upper deck could eventually feature a four-platform NET tram stop serving the City Ground.

The concept could also allow for a future tram extension into West Bridgford and provide connections from Nottingham city centre and Nottingham Station.

Drewitt believes the project could form part of a much wider regeneration scheme, with the Environment Agency site potentially becoming a Nottingham Forest museum, events space and riverside food hall.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has also said that a new bridge is one option that should be considered to improve connections to the City Ground and reduce pressure on existing crossings.

A study is currently under way to examine potential options for a Nottingham tram extension.

FGG Says: A great idea for Forest supporters

This is an ambitious proposal, but it could offer Forest a much better long-term solution than simply trying to manage thousands of extra supporters around the existing crossings.

A new bridge, tram stop and improved pedestrian links could make matchdays easier while also benefiting the wider area. It is only a concept at this stage, but the potential benefits make it an idea worth taking seriously.