National League club to build history-making 5,000-seater stadium made almost totally of WOOD as council approves plan
FIFA already call them the “greenest team in the world”.
Now they have got the go-ahead to make history with the ultimate “environmentally friendly” development.
Council planners have approved Eco Park – a unique new 5,000-seat stadium made almost entirely of wood.
And it comes from a National League side who are bidding for an instant return to the EFL.
The venue will be in landscaped parkland, with space for 1,700 cars.
And along with two extra football pitches, around 500 trees and 1.8km of hedgerows will be planted – to promote biodiversity.
Many fans will have quickly guessed the identity of the club – thanks to its high-profile owner and the innovations he has brought in.
Fifa dished out its “greenest team” accolade after the club began wearing kits made of recycled plastic and coffee grounds.
Football’s world rulers also pointed to the team’s vegan-only menu.
Meanwhile, shinpads and some kits have been made from bamboo.
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The United Nations chipped in with a huge compliment too – describing the whole set-up as the world’s first carbon-neutral football club.
Green energy businessman Dale Vince has been the man with the vision and Forest Green Rovers has been his sporting outlet – since his take-over there 14 years ago.
Rovers‘ current ground, the New Lawn, will be replaced by 95 homes.
That’s because Stroud Council have now approved the layout, scale and external look of a replacement stadium.
Councillors heard the site will be extra resilient against extreme weather – as it will be built to tackle climate change and be energy efficient.
Vince said the “ground-breaking” stadium will be “the first made almost entirely from wood which is beautiful, natural, durable and sustainable”.
He added: “We’ve taken a step closer towards the world’s greenest sports complex and a fabulous facility for the local community.”