The current extensions plans are just one of a collection of improvements the club has proposed or has made in the past few years
Reapplying to Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham Forest hopes to expand their training facility, the Nigel Doughty Academy in West Bridgford. For over two decades, the club has trained at the Wilford Lane location on Gresham Close.
Planning permission was given to the club in 2019 so they could extend the first team building’s ground and first floors. However, in light of the club’s current Premier League status, a new application has been submitted with the intention of making the building extensions even larger than originally intended.
The ground floor will be expanded in accordance with the plan to “accommodate a larger kitchen and mess facilities and recovery lounge for the first floor,” even though the first floor extension plans remain unchanged.
team players and staff.” A club statement, included within the planning application, says that the new application is only a small difference to the 2019 plans.
team players and staff.” A club statement, included within the planning application, says that the new application is only a small difference to the 2019 plans.
“As previously stated, the club wishes to improve and expand the recovery and office spaces (all previously approved), as well as improve the kitchen and food prep areas alongside a more spacious mess room for its First Team players and staff. This is in recognition of the longer rest periods that players must take at the training center as part of their daily routine, and is now shown to incorporate lounge and relaxation areas.
“In the above connection, the club have worked (and invested) tirelessly to achieve Premier League status – and having achieved such, wish to provide their players with everything possible to sustain this in pursuit of long-term success for themselves (and the City) at the very highest level.”
team players and staff.” A club statement, included within the planning application, says that the new application is only a small difference to the 2019 plans.
The club has suggested and implemented a number of upgrades in the last few years, of which the present extension plans are just one. Plans for a brand-new, two-story academy building with 14 locker rooms, three classrooms, a gym, a physio room, an analysis suite, a guest parents’ lounge, canteen amenities, and more on-site parking were unveiled in December 2021.
These plans were approved subject to certain requirements, which were satisfied and removed by the council in January of this year. December of last year saw the submission of an amendment to these plans, which was conditionally approved in February.
Wider improvements took place before the Reds’ second season in the top flight, with a new media suite built and changing rooms refreshed at the academy in addition to new analysis and nutrition facilities. In an open letter to supporters in September, owner Evangelos Marinakis reiterated his commitment to the club’s City Ground redevelopment plans.
Steve Cooper’s side sit 15th in the Premier League table but are without a win since taking a surprise three points away from Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on September 2. The Reds blew a two goal lead against Luton Town last Saturday (October 21) as the Hatters came from behind to get a point at the City Ground. The Reds face a difficult run of fixtures with a trip to Anfield next up against Liverpool on Sunday (2pm KO, October 29).
Respected architects Benoy are involved in the latest plans just submitted to the council. Lifelong Reds fan Tom Cartledge, who took over as Forest chairman from Nicholas Randall KC, is also chief executive officer of Handley House Group which incorporates Benoy.
