Sheffield United Football Club (SUFC) has launched a public consultation with local residents and supporters over the proposed redevelopment of the South Stand at its Bramall Lane stadium.

Plans include an additional tier of seating, which will increase the stadium's capacity by more than 6,000, a purpose-built exhibition and conference centre and new corporate and banqueting facilities. Affordable housing will also form part of the redevelopment proposals, which will be the second of a two-stage scheme to improve Bramall Lane in a bid to ensure that Sheffield is included as a potential host city for the 2018 World Cup.

Jason Rockett, SUFC chief executive, said: "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 criteria of a Sheffield bid to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup which as a club we are committed to supporting."

The club has already submitted plans for the first phase of work at the stadium, which will focus on the Kop stand and includes the removal of support columns, a new concourse, new executive boxes and community and educational facilities. Bramall Lane's capacity is set to be increased to 37,000 as a result of the redevelopment of the Kop, while it is expected that the South Stand proposals will further increase the venue's capacity to around 44,000 when complete.