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'World Cup' Blades show plans to fans
SHEFFIELD United start consultations with residents and supporters next week regarding their latest proposals to redevelop Bramall Lane.
The improvements could eventually see the stadium's capacity reach 44,000 and are part of a long-term strategy to enhance both facilities for fans and the city's bid to become a World Cup venue.
Sheffield Wednesday are also members of the committee seeking to win a place on the Football Association's official tender for the 2018 tournament.
Special exhibitions, where there will be opportunities to inspect the designs and view computer generated images, are being held on Monday and Wednesday in the Marston's Suite.
Plans to transform the Kop are under review by the council.
The latest scheme, which focuses on the South Stand, would see:
*An additional tier of seating, increasing the capacity by more than 6,000
*A purpose-built exhibition and conference centre within the stand
New facilities for supporters including additional corporate facilities
Affordable private housing
*Additional commercial and banqueting facilities.
The first phase - which could increase capacity up to 37,000 - involves removing columns on the Kop, a new concourse providing modern kiosks and toilet facilities, new executive boxes and disabled facilities in the Corner Stand.
A second business and enterprise centre is also included, situated between The Kop and South Stand.
United chief executive Jason Rockett said: "We are keen to receive the views of the local community and our fans.
"The second-stage plans are exciting not only for United but for the city and the areas near to the stadium.
"The second phase is part of a long-term strategy, subject to achieving success on the pitch, aimed at generating additional income off the field, which we have already seen with the development of the hotel and the business centre.
"We believe our plans for the stadium will meet the aspirations of a Sheffield bid to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup, which as a club we are committed to supporting."
The consultations take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm in the Marston's Suite, John Street.
Meanwhile, a commitment to establishing 'fan parks' forms an integral part of Sheffield's campaign to stage games at the 2018 World Cup.
Officials from the Football Association, who are scheduled to decide in December which of the 15 applicants will be included in England's final presentation to FIFA, travel to the region shortly to meet representatives of the city's stakeholders committee.
The visit is designed not only to determine its suitability to help host the event but also ensure bidders are aware of the criteria they must meet in order to be considered for selection.
Hotel space and transport infrastructure, as well as stadia, feature among Soho Square's priorities.
Germany's success in enhancing the 'supporter experience 'when it hosted the tournament in 2006 means the FA are keen to follow suit.
Hence, Sheffield's determination to highlight the range of possible venues which already exist within its boundaries.
United and Wednesday have agreed to work together to promote the Steel City's suitability.
Both grounds - Bramall Lane and Hillsborough - have put their names forward.
But, if Sheffield is selected ahead of rivals Leeds, Leicester and Derby, the likelihood is that only one will be chosen for consideration.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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