Nottingham Forest Sports Zone to undergo £1.9m transformation: what residents need to know

Nottingham’s Forest Sports Zone is set for a £1.9 million redevelopment to modernise the Forest Recreation Ground facility. The project, funded by a multi-agency partnership, will replace existing all-weather surfaces and expand the site’s infrastructure to accommodate growing demand from local residents, schools, and community groups.

Upgrade of all-weather playing surfaces

The redevelopment focuses on the complete overhaul of the site’s pitch provision. The existing 3G pitch will receive a new playing surface alongside upgraded infill and improved LED lighting to enhance visibility and safety during evening use.

Simultaneously, the adjacent sand-based pitch will be entirely rebuilt. This surface will be converted to a full 3G pitch, providing a high-quality, year-round environment for both training and competitive matches. These technical improvements are designed to ensure the Forest Sports Zone remains a primary hub for grassroots football and physical activity in the city.

Extension of the community hub and changing rooms

Beyond the playing surfaces, the investment covers a significant expansion of the existing changing room building. The plans include a new two-storey entrance and expanded office space to support the operational requirements of the facility.

A dedicated community area will be integrated into the extension, creating a functional hub for local clubs and visitors. This addition aims to improve the experience for players and spectators while strengthening the site’s role as a social centre for the Nottingham community.

Funding and partnership structure

The £1.9 million investment is the result of a collaboration between national sports bodies and local government. The Football Foundation has committed £1 million to the project, with the Nottingham Forest Community Trust contributing £625,000. The remaining balance is being provided by Nottingham City Council.

Cllr Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Climate, Energy and Nature, stated that the partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together for the benefit of residents. The improvements are expected to provide high-quality facilities that the local community can rely on for years to come.

Schedule for closures and reopening

To facilitate the construction works, the Forest Sports Zone will close temporarily starting 18 May 2026. The redevelopment will be managed in phases to allow for a partial return to use before the project is fully completed.

Calum Osborne, Chief Executive of Nottingham Forest Community Trust, noted the site’s historical significance as the original home of Nottingham Forest Football Club. He emphasized that the investment ensures the club maintains a presence in the heart of the city while delivering tangible benefits for health, wellbeing, and inclusion.

Since its opening in 2015, the Forest Sports Zone has become one of the most heavily used sports facilities in the UK. Managed by the Nottingham Forest Community Trust on behalf of the council, the site attracts an average of over 2,000 users per week. The Trust uses the facility to deliver a variety of programmes focused on education, employability, and community health.

Source: Nottingham City Council