Axed HS2 site put forward as possible new home for Forest
COUNCILLORS SUGGEST ‘LAST REPORT’ OPTION FOR STADIUM
NOTTINGHAM Forest have been offered a “last resort” new home at a site formerly earmarked for a HS2 station.
Talks over the renewal of the club’s lease of the City Ground have stalled in recent months.
Nottingham City Council, which owns the land, says it has been in talks with the Premier League club about its future at the ground, where the Reds have played since 1898.
A group of Nottinghamshire County councillors are now suggesting the club could move to land in Toton, which was bought by the authority for redevelopment around the proposed HS2 station, which has now been scrapped.
Independent Alliance councillors say this could be used as a “last resort” by Forest if the club has to move.
The opposition group is proposing a motion for an upcoming meeting which reads: “To explore options with stakeholders at Nottingham Forest Football Club and others to try to secure the future of the club. This may include whether there are any potentially suitable County Council sites which may be marketed for disposal in future.”
Independent Selston councillor David Martin said: “We have watched with increasing frustration at the breakdown of talks over a new lease between Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Forest. This has led to uncertainty for the future of Nottingham Forest remaining at the worldfamous City Ground that it has called home since 1898.
“It’s clear that as a county council, we need to reach out to the club which is an economic powerhouse for our county. Toton already has the infrastructure including a tram stop and railway station.
“Any new stadium at Toton will far surpass the current capacity of the City Ground. If Nottinghamshire County Council were serious about helping the club expand – then exploring options at this stage is eminently sensible and would only be a last resort.”