Magpies want to turn warehouse into ‘Nest’
IT WOULD BE USED AS FAN ZONE ON MATCH DAYS AND EVENT SPACE
NOTTS County want to transform a disused warehouse next to their Meadow Lane stadium into an area for fans.
The former 12,000 sq ft distribution site on Iremonger Road will be turned into a place where fans can meet before a match takes place, as well as a multi-purpose events space, if plans are approved.
The Magpies hope that the zone, which will be called The Nest, will also be used for other leisure, entertainment and community purposes. A planning statement for the fan zone explains: “The ‘Fan Zone’ to be known as ‘The Nest,’ will provide a safe entertainment space where fans can eat, drink, socialise and watch sporting events under cover on large indoor TV screens.
“Supporters will be able to attend both prior to kick off as well as after the end of the match. In addition to satisfying the latent demand for NCFC and NFFC matches, it is envisaged that “The Nest” could be used as an event space for private clients on an ad-hoc basis during nonmatch days.
“The increased capacity and much improved offering of the Fan Zone will encourage supporters to arrive much earlier and stay later on match days which in turn will alleviate traffic congestion and queueing at turnstiles around the start and finish times in the interest of safety.”
Chief executive for Notts County, Joe Palmer, said: “After many months of planning, we’re excited to bring news of this major project to our fans and the wider community. With an average attendance of over 11,000, and work ongoing to drive even higher crowds in the months and years ahead, it was imperative that we sought to provide our growing fanbase with the exciting matchday experience they deserve.”
He explained that they hope the fan zone will be “one of the very best” in the country, and described it as being similar to Wembley’s Boxpark.
He added: “Away from matchday, the space will be made available to our Foundation to help them with their incredible work, while it will also significantly aid the club’s journey towards financial sustainability by enabling us to host events such as live sport screenings, food markets, beer festivals and much more.
“I’d like to thank Nottingham City Council for their guidance and cooperation and we look forward to updating supporters in due course.”
The plans will be decided on by the city council in the near future.