Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest has taken a significant step towards the much-anticipated redevelopment of their City Ground stadium by appointing a renowned architect to their team. The architect, who has previously worked with Foster and Partners, the firm behind the design of the new Wembley Stadium, will also contribute to projects for other Evangelos Marinakis-owned clubs, Olympiacos and Rio Ave. This strategic move aims to advance Forest’s infrastructure and technology projects, positioning the club as a global leader in sports and entertainment.
Chatzimanolis said: “In this role at Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave, I’m joining the senior leadership team to drive strategic infrastructure and technology megaprojects, aiming to position us as a global leader in sports and entertainment.”
Chatzimanolis’s appointment has sparked renewed interest in Nottingham’s property circles, with speculation suggesting that his involvement could reignite momentum behind the proposed redevelopment of the City Ground. The project, first announced in 2019, focuses on upgrading the stadium, with phase one involving the demolition and reconstruction of the Peter Taylor Stand to increase capacity. Despite initial plans, the project has faced various challenges, delaying its commencement.
The club’s recent announcement of season card prices for the 2025/26 campaign hinted at the possibility of construction work starting during the season. This development is contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals for the stadium expansion plans.
The club stated: “With demand for tickets soaring, the club remains determined to forge ahead with our ambitious plans to redevelop our City Ground home, increasing the capacity of the stadium and transforming the matchday experience for our loyal supporters. It remains the club’s ambition to redevelop the Peter Taylor Stand and there is a material prospect that we could start that work during the 2025/26 season.”
The appointment of Chatzimanolis is seen as a crucial step in overcoming the obstacles that have hindered the project’s progress. His extensive experience in leading high-profile infrastructure and technology projects is expected to be instrumental in driving the redevelopment forward. As Nottingham Forest continues to grow in stature, the redevelopment of the City Ground is viewed as a vital component in enhancing the club’s facilities and fan experience.
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