Sport city hope for Forest ground

The City Ground is viewed as too difficult to expand

A new stadium for Nottingham Forest is a chance to create a world class "sport city", according to the architects.

Plans to build a £100m, 50,000-seat stadium complex near the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont were revealed earlier this month.

Local architects Benoy said the site could become a hub for both top class and grass roots sport.

They added that global financial woes did not necessarily mean major projects would be put on hold.

The club has been looking at ideas to move to a new home because the current City Ground is difficult to expand.

Controversial site

Simon Bee, from Benoy, felt the project could prompt a regeneration of the area.

"It is a tremendous opportunity for Nottingham to look at the whole area around Holme Pierrepont," he said.

"And to think about not only relocating a new stadium for Nottingham Forest but to think of a collection of sporting activities that build together, build on what is there now to create a new city of sport."

Mr Bee added that he hoped designs for the new stadium would be released in the near future.

It originally announced plans to move to Clifton by 2014, but the club said developers decided against that location.

Despite concerns over flooding risks at Holme Pierrepont, the idea has received enthusiastic backing from Rushcliffe Borough Council.