The Forest Sports Zone at the Forest Recreation Ground is to receive a major overhaul, with a £1.9 million programme set to modernise and improve the popular community venue.
Both all‑weather pitches will be replaced. The existing 3G surface will be renewed with a fresh playing carpet, upgraded infill and improved LED floodlighting. The neighbouring sand‑based pitch will be fully rebuilt and converted to a 3G specification, creating a high‑quality surface for training and matches throughout the year.
The enhancements are designed to broaden access to top‑class facilities for local residents, schools and community organisations, supporting sustained participation in physical activity and safeguarding the site’s role as a key community asset in Nottingham.
The investment is backed by a funding package of £1 million from the Football Foundation, £625,000 from Nottingham Forest Community Trust, with the balance provided by Nottingham City Council.
Beyond the pitch works, the project includes an extension to the current changing block. Plans feature a new two‑storey entrance, additional office space and a dedicated community area to create a more welcoming and practical hub for clubs, groups and visitors.
Collectively, these improvements aim to boost participation, improve the experience for players and spectators, and strengthen the Forest Sports Zone’s place at the heart of the community.
Opened as the Forest Sports Zone in 2015, the facility has been managed and operated seven days a week by Nottingham Forest Community Trust, the charitable arm of Nottingham Forest Football Club. It is regarded as one of the most used sports sites in the UK, attracting on average over 2,000 users each week.
To enable construction, the venue will close for approximately five weeks from 18 May 2026. A partial reopening is planned for the summer, with full reopening expected in autumn 2026.
Cllr Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Climate, Energy and Nature said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see this level of investment coming into the Forest Sports Zone. These improvements will make a real difference for the local players, clubs, schools and the wider community, providing high‑quality facilities that everyone can be proud of. The partnership behind this project shows what can be achieved when organisations work together for the benefit of Nottingham residents, and I’m excited to see the upgraded site take shape.”
Calum Osborne, Chief Executive of Nottingham Forest Community Trust said: “This significant investment will ensure the Forest Sports Zone continues to provide high-quality, accessible facilities for local people.
“The site also holds a special connection to Nottingham Forest’s heritage, as the club’s original home, helping to maintain a presence in the heart of the city while delivering real benefits for the community, now and for years to come.
“This exciting project is a strong example of what can be achieved through effective partnership, with Nottingham City Council and the Football Foundation working alongside us to deliver lasting impact for local communities.”
Nottingham Forest Community Trust is the official charity of Nottingham Forest Football Club. The Trust uses the power of sport and Nottingham Forest to engage communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, delivering programmes that support health and wellbeing, education, employability and inclusion.
NFCT has operated the Forest Sports Zone at the Forest Recreation Ground since its opening in 2015, managing the site on behalf of Nottingham City Council. It provides a high‑quality venue for grassroots sport, community activity and education‑based programmes, seven days a week.
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