Rotherham United Football Club's (RUFC) plans to develop a new £17.3m stadium on the site of the town's former Guest and Chrimes foundry site have been handed a boost.

A £5m loan towards the cost of the S&P Architects-designed ground has been approved by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's (RMBC) cabinet. Gleeds has already been appointed to project manage the 12,000-seat stadium development, which will be built by GMI Construction and is due to open ahead of the 2012-13 season.

The north and south stands are to feature a polycarbonate edge to the roof to enable light to reach the pitch, while the east stand is to incorporate a polycarbonate roof system. RMBC leader Roger Stone said: "The new community stadium is a key to the regeneration of Rotherham town centre and we have always supported the club and the wish to have Rotherham United back playing in the town.

"The terms of the agreement mean that there will be no cost to Rotherham's council taxpayers, but our residents, schools, businesses and voluntary and community groups will reap the benefits for years to come."