World Cup stadium plan unveiled

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The team behind Nottingham's bid to host matches as part of the 2018 World Cup have revealed the site for a proposed new stadium.

Gamston has been chosen as a location for a 45,000-seat football ground, which would also be used by Nottingham Forest football club.

City council officials have now ruled out the redevelopment of club's current base at the City Ground.

FA inspectors are returning to the city later to assess its suitability.

'Exciting bid'

Mark Arthur, chief executive of Nottingham Forest, said "exhaustive studies of the existing City Ground" have shown "it is impossible to transform the ground into a fully compliant FIFA stadium" fit for the 2018 tournament.

"Nottingham's bid to be a World Cup host city in 2018 has made tremendous progress over the last few months, with the contribution of the club, local authorities and other partners.

"The new stadium concept represents the very opportunity to meet FIFA requirements, provide a magnificent legacy for Rushcliffe and Greater Nottingham, but at the same time recognising the sensitivities and concerns of local communities," he said.

The club has said its plan to move stadiums is dependant on the success of the city's bid.

Major events

Nottingham is bidding to become one of 12 host cities as England bids to host the football world cup.

A decision on which country will host the 2018 World Cup will be made in December 2010.

Fifteen towns and cities have put in bids, including nearby Derby and Leicester.

If it is built, the city council want the ground to also host major events in women's football after the World Cup tournament.

Hugh White, director of sport, leisure and parks for the city council and Nottingham's bid co-ordinator, said: "We're looking forward to showing the bid officials around again as we feel we've got a great deal to shout about and an exciting bid which demonstrates our ability to stage major events."

Previous locations suggested for the ground were Clifton and Holme Pierrepont.