Fans of Nottingham Forest have been reacting to comments from The Athletic’s Paul Taylor on Twitter, in which the journalist provides the Reds fanbase with an update on the scheduled redevelopment of the Peter Taylor Stand.
Originally, Nottingham Forest had planned to demolish the whole of the Peter Taylor Stand within three weeks of their final home game of the season as the beginning of a major stadium redevelopment, which would see the capacity of the City Ground increase to 38,000 upon completion.
However, a recent update by Paul Taylor informed Forest fans that there had been unexpected planning delays in the stadium redevelopment, resulting in work on the ground now likely being delayed until 2021.
In reaction to the news, Forest fans took to social media to share their opinion on the matter, with many stating their frustrations at the new developments.
#NFFC put plans to redevelop Peter Taylor Stand on hold, following what they describe as ‘planning’ delays. Work was due to start in May. Club now allowing sales of season tickets in the stand. But say they are ‘fully committed’ to the project still.
— Paul Taylor (@nottmtails) March 17, 2020
Must be some real jobsworths knocking about in that planning department.
Unbelievable lack of vision.
— James Taylor (@jtweets92) March 17, 2020
What a mess
— Guy Giles (@Tequila__Sunset) March 17, 2020
Working in construction and it was obvious they had not foreseen the length of the planning procedures for such a large build. Best they can do arrange for last 6 fixtures of season to be all away from home and RIP the stand down in April next year
— John Price (@JPLPrice) March 17, 2020
Was it just a marketing ploy to get people to renew
— Conor (@ConorHedges) March 17, 2020
Bit vague that isnt it? Looking at a good year delay at least now i reckon
— Jamie (@JamieBriody) March 17, 2020
Planning delays? In Rushcliffe? Almost unbelievable…..
— martin valentine?? (@SuperVallo) March 17, 2020
What do we think?
Despite this unfortunate setback, the investment that Forest chairman Evangelos Marinakis is willing to put into the development of the City Ground, which has not received any major redevelopment since 1994, is good news for Forest fans.
The redevelopment of their stadium not only demonstrates long-term thinking by both the chairman and the club, but will also improve the matchday experience for Forest fans.