Club unveils proposals for major expansion of stand at historic football stadium

IT HAS a sporting history dating back to 1855 and is said to be the oldest major stadium in the world still hosting professional football.

Now Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground is set for a major makeover if planners give consent to ambitious plans which could make the ground ready for Premier League matches.

With United riding high in the Championship, the club has lodged detailed plans with Sheffield City Council for the ground’s South Stand.

Proposals seek to add more than 5,400 seats, new executive boxes and a media centre.

The Cherry Street car park area – which has 310 spaces – would be replaced by spaces spread between ground and basement-level car parks. The club – known as the Blades – has previously secured an extended outline planning consent for the stand.

In addition, there would be improved facilities for the disabled, new executive facilities, a multipurpose function room, an exhibition space and a new ticket office.

United chief operating officer Andrew Birks said: “This is about the club planning for the future, seeking an extension of the current planning permissions based on an exciting and extended scheme.

“This is very much about looking ahead following our promotion to the Championship and potentially a place in the highest tier of the English game.”

Architects are Whittam Cox Architects. Chief executive Ashley Turner said: “Bramall Lane is a significant landmark within the city.

“We are presenting proposals where high-quality and strong development plans are paramount.”

Neighbouring residents will be invited to an exhibition of the plans, which will be submitted to Sheffield City Council this month or next month with a planning decision expected in early spring 2018.