As part of the plans, the Leppings Lane end will be converted into a new specific learning zone for community groups with a glass frontage overlooking the pitch, new roof, pillars removed and the corners filled in with extra seating.

 

 

Also set for a facelift are the Spion Kop, once the largest covered standing area in Europe with a capacity of 22,000, where a new roof will be added – with an iconic arch added so the current pillars can be taken out – and a revamp of the North Stand.

 

That will see 17 new executive boxes added at the top of a four-storey design which will house retail outlets and the largest classroom in England for use by local businesses and community groups.

 

The capacity of the Stadium would be increased from its current 39,814 to 44,825 with no viewing restrictions.

 

The Championship club are hoping the plans – an outline planning application has already been presented to Sheffield City Council – will bolster their hopes of being a venue should England's 2018 World Cup bid succeed.

 

Bramall Lane, the home of arch-city rivals Sheffield United, are also bidding to be involved in the campaign.

 

But chairman Lee Strafford insisted the project was primarily aimed at forging stronger links with the local community and helping to maximise profits on match days.

 

The club – who are £25 million in debt – believe they can initially fund the project through a series of Government grants designed to pay for community facilities.

 

Once extra revenue starts coming in from the new services, the club – who hope to complete work

by 2013 – will then fund the rest of the stadium revamp.

 

Strafford said: "We are turning Hillborough into Hillsborough Community Stadium.

 

"We have been developing the plans for a number of months now and it is all about how we re-engage with the fans.

 

"What we want to do is fill our stadium in the long term and the way we are going to do that is invite everyone in the region to come and use the facilities, for police, education and health services to take advantage of the fabulous brand and infrastructure that we have already and turn it into something that does good for the community day-in, day-out.

 

"It [Hillsborough] is tired, she does need a facelift.

 

"But we are not looking to do it on pure commercial activities, we are looking to do it on the basis that the community takes advantage of the facilities and we get backsides on seats down the road as a result of doing the right thing."
 

Hillsborough, which was opened in 1899, hosted its first international match in 1904 when England beat Scotland 5-4.

 

It staged three matches during the 1966 World Cup, the last time England staged the tournament, including West Germany's 4-0 victory over Uruguay, and three when Euro 96 was held here.

But the Stadium will be forever linked with the death in 1989 of 96 Liverpool fans, who were crushed to death during their side's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

 

Sheffield Wednesday have promised to consult with the families of the fans who died before embarking upon the redevelopment.

 

A spokesman for the club said: “We are completely aware of the issues surrounding these plans and we are keen to engage in dialogue with the families of the 96.

 

“We want to make sure they understand any development which is taking place.”

 

Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, welcomed the news.

 

The mother, who lost her son James, 18, in the tragedy, said: “As long as it’s safe for supporters to get in and watch a game in comfort, we support it.

 

“But this should have been done a long time ago, we shouldn’t have to wait 20 years.”

 

Sheila Coleman, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, said: “We would want an acknowledgement or memorial to the 96 people who lost their lives there.

 

“We would welcome any opportunity to go and sit down with the club about this.”