Nottingham World Cup stadium set to be moved

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

August 13 – Nottingham’s proposed controversial new stadium to host World Cup matches if England’s bid to host 2018 is successful is set to be moved from its original location, it has been reported.

Plans have been drawn up to build the stadium, which would also be used by Nottingham Forest, in the Eastside regeneration zone off London Road, close to the Eastcroft incinerator and BBC buildings.

The location had previously been ignored in favour of a site east of Gamston.

But sustained opposition from Nottinghamshire County Council over concerns of loss of green belt land and harm to residents quality of life has led to fears that this plan will have to be scrapped.

Simon Robinson, the chairman of action group Rushcliffe Green Fields, who oppose the Gamston site, said he had been told by a number of “high-ranking” Councillors and officers about the Eastside plans.

“I believe those plans have been quite widely circulated now within the City Council and the County Council as well,” he told the Nottingham Evening Post.

It has not been confirmed how the Eastside stadium would be financed.

Neil Clarke, the Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, which is the planning authority for the area of the Gamston site, told the Evening Post: “The fact that they do appear to be seriously considering other sites helps us ensure that we can continue to protect the green belt.”

Nottingham is the second city selected by England 2018 as a potential host to run into major problems.

Bristol’s plans to construct a new stadium at Ashton Vale for 2018 are also in jeopardy after local Councillors there last month rejected plans by supermarket giant Sainsbury’s to build a new superstore on the site of Bristol’s City’s current ground at Ashton Gate, leaving the club with no means of paying for the move.

A Nottingham World Cup bid spokesman said: “The development of a new stadium is essential for Nottingham to have any chance of becoming a host city in 2018 and Gamston remains the site presented in the bid.

“As with any project of this scale and importance, there will be many challenges to consider.

“Hosting the World Cup would be a massive boost for Nottingham, the county and the region, creating jobs and business, in addition to all the excitement and enthusiasm that being part of the world’s biggest sporting event would bring.”

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