The Forest Sports Zone at Nottingham’s Forest Recreation Ground is scheduled for a £1.9 million redevelopment designed to modernize one of the UK’s most heavily utilized community sports hubs. The project, confirmed by Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, involves a total overhaul of the existing playing surfaces and a significant expansion of the site’s physical infrastructure.
Modernization of all-weather playing surfaces
The core of the investment focuses on the replacement of the two existing pitches. The current 3G pitch will be stripped and fitted with a new playing surface, upgraded infill, and high-efficiency LED lighting to improve visibility and reduce energy consumption. Simultaneously, the adjacent sand-based pitch will be completely rebuilt and converted into a full 3G surface.
This conversion provides a consistent, high-quality training environment capable of supporting year-round matches for local schools, grassroots clubs, and community groups. By standardizing both surfaces to 3G, the facility will accommodate a higher volume of play, reducing the maintenance downtime often associated with older sand-based systems. These upgrades ensure the site remains a primary asset for physical activity in the heart of the city, mirroring broader investments like the expanded literacy scheme.
Expansion of changing facilities and community space
Beyond the pitches, the redevelopment includes a structural extension to the existing changing room building. Plans detail a new two-story entrance designed to improve visitor flow and accessibility. The extension will also house expanded office space for the Nottingham Forest Community Trust and a dedicated community area.
This new hub is intended to serve as a functional base for local sports organizations and social groups. The addition of a community-focused space shifts the facility from a purely athletic venue to a broader neighborhood asset, supporting education and inclusion programs alongside competitive sport. The improvements are designed to enhance the experience for both players and spectators who visit the site daily.
Funding sources and project investment breakdown
The £1.9 million budget is the result of a tripartite funding agreement between national and local organizations. The Football Foundation has committed the largest portion of the capital, providing £1 million toward the upgrades. The Nottingham Forest Community Trust has contributed £625,000, with Nottingham City Council providing the remaining balance to finalize the redevelopment package.
| Funding Partner | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Football Foundation | £1,000,000 |
| Nottingham Forest Community Trust | £625,000 |
| Nottingham City Council | Remaining Balance |
Calum Osborne, Chief Executive of Nottingham Forest Community Trust, noted that the site holds historical significance as the original home of Nottingham Forest Football Club. This heritage continues through the Trust’s management of the facility, which has operated the site since 2015 and currently attracts an average of 2,000 users per week.
Construction timeline and temporary site closure
To allow for the heavy machinery and surface installation, the Forest Sports Zone will close to the public starting May 18, 2026. The redevelopment is phased to minimize long-term disruption to local leagues and school programs, with a staggered reopening plan throughout the year.
| Project Phase | Estimated Date |
|---|---|
| Full Site Closure | May 18, 2026 |
| Partial Reopening | Summer 2026 |
| Full Completion | Autumn 2026 |
Cllr Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Climate, Energy and Nature, stated that the partnership behind the project demonstrates how organizations can work together for the benefit of residents. During the closure, regular users are expected to be redirected to alternative municipal pitches. The upgraded site is expected to fully resume operations by the autumn season, providing modernized facilities for the city’s grassroots sports community.
Source: Nottingham City Council
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