Forest Green Rovers stadium

The choice of Gloucestershire-based Forest Green Rovers to construct a timber football stadium was unusual. When you consider the present impression of flammable materials and the backdrop of financial insecurity confronting lower-league teams, it has become an even bolder decision.

A director from Zaha Hadid, who designed the wooden edifice (above), told CN- a wood firm in February 2020 that wood was the desired material for stadium construction since it was both low-carbon and conducive to an aesthetic design.

The 5,000-seat stadium received planning clearance in December of last year, and the government chose not to cancel the project soon before the coronavirus outbreak. Since then, there have been predictions that the stadium will be completed in just two years.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince has stated that football would not be played there until 2023, but next year will be critical for the development of this one-of-a-kind facility.

Estimated value: £250,000,000