The Nest

The Nest is a community sports hub in Horsford, to the north of Norwich. It is designed as a space which is accessible for all and provides inclusive facilities for the growing local community. The space includes sports facilities, a café, and conference / events space.

The GNGB provided The Nest with over £1m and was the first funder to see the potential of the project. Our investment allowed The Nest to leverage in match funding from Norfolk County Council, the Football Foundation and Norwich City FC. These funds were topped up with over £800k which was secured though community fundraising.

This funding contributed to the delivery of a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch, changing rooms, a meeting / IT suite, two large multi-use spaces, stadium seating, a new entrance, car parking and a gas and electricity substation. The Nest is run by the Community Sports Foundation and is committed to addressing wider social issues; since completion, it has delivered a range of successful schemes to drive inclusion for people with disability in sport, boost mental health and wellbeing, and inspire disadvantaged people. In 2022 The Nest saw an average footfall of 11,000 per month. 

This project offered the opportunity to meet the need (identified in the Greater Norwich Built Facilities Strategy) for increased provision of facilities to the north of Norwich, whilst also supporting increased inclusivity in sport. The high level of local support for the project was demonstrated through significant community engagement and fundraising. The Nest is the only facility in the region that has this unique blend of facilities and services open to the public.