Plans for the world’s greenest football stadium have taken a significant step forward, with Stroud District Council approving the reserved matters (layout, scale and external appearance) of Forest Green Rovers’ new stadium complex. This marks a major achievement for Ridge, who has provided key planning consultancy services, alongside expertise in transport planning and civil engineering.

A sustainable vision takes shape

The concept for the stadium was born in 2015 with an international design competition won by Zaha Hadid Architects. After years of meticulous planning, outline approval was secured in 2020, and the council’s decision to grant the reserved matters application marks a major milestone in bringing the 5,000-capacity venue to Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.

Crafted primarily from timber – a renewable and sustainable material – the stadium will set a global benchmark as the world’s lowest-carbon sports facility. Nestled within landscaped parkland, the development includes one full-sized grass pitch, one full-sized all-weather pitch and a goal practice area. It follows the approval of two training pitches on the south side of the A419, now in use by Forest Green Rovers, and a temporary training marquee.

FIFA describes Forest Green Rovers as ‘the greenest football club in the world,’ and we couldn’t be prouder to support them in bringing their groundbreaking stadium to life. This project is just one of many collaborations with the club and Ecotricity as we work together to realise the ambitious Eco Park vision.

 

Jenny Henderson, Associate Planner at Ridge

Enhancing connectivity

Accessibility is key to the project. Transport improvements include a new signal-controlled access junction on the A419, complete with pedestrian and cycle crossings, as well as a combined foot and cycleway connecting the site to Chipmans Platt and National Cycle Route 45. Matchday buses linking the site to Stroud and Cam and Dursley railway station will further enhance connectivity and promote sustainable travel options.

As the project progresses, Ridge is excited to help bring this trailblazing sports complex to life, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and community impact.

Find out more about Town and Country Planning, Transport Planning and Civil Engineering expertise at Ridge.