Cambridge United stadium plans on show

Developer Grosvenor said the new-look stadium could be finished by the 2019-2020 season

The capacity of Cambridge United's ground could be extended by 3,000 as part of plans to turn it into a "community stadium".

The League Two club hopes to increase capacity at its Abbey Stadium to 11,000, and to add health, conference and social facilities.

A new training ground would be created in the Trumpington area of the city, as part of a "sporting village".

A planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.

It is hoped the plans will increase community involvement at the Abbey Stadium

About 500 new homes could be built as part of the Cambridge Sporting Village

Cambridge United had hoped to move to a new stadium in the south west of the city, but failed to receive council backing in 2013.

Developer Grosvenor has put forward proposals for improving the stadium, including a new North Stand, a new public square and an NHS centre. Capacity would be increased in the East and West stands as latter stages of the development.

The new Cambridge Sporting Village in Trumpington Meadows would include about 500 new homes, as well as football pitches and a cycle track.

Both facilities would be managed by a new body, the Cambridge Sporting Trust.

A consultation period is under way, with views being sought online.

Ed Skeates, director of development for Grosvenor, said: "These proposals would bring exciting new facilities to the local community, responding to an identified need to increase people's participation in sport."