Stockport County unveils stadium expansion plan

Stockport County has planned to boost its stadium capacity to 18,000

Plans to expand a football stadium described as the "beating heart" of a Greater Manchester town have been unveiled.

Stockport County has outlined proposals to boost capacity at Edgeley Park by about 7,000 seats to host 18,000 fans.

The League Two side, which is currently vying for promotion, has asked supporters for feedback on the plan to renovate the stadium, built in 1891.

Club chairman Ken Knott said the aim was to create a "first-rate home".

"Ultimately, we want to ensure that the stadium matches our level of ambition", he added, with the Hatters targeting promotion to the Championship as a long-term ambition.

Edgeley Park can currently accomodate 10,852 Stockport fans on matchdays

The expansion plans would see the historical brick frontage of the Danny Bergara Stand repaired, with thousands more seats added to other stands.

New food, drink and hospitality facilities are also planned, alongside improvements to accessibility for disabled fans at the stadium on Hardcastle Road.

The club are currently battling for promotion from League Two

A formal planning application will be submitted once the consultation has been held, with work expected to start early next year, a club spokesman said.

Mr Knott said the expansion of Edgeley Park was "crucial in order to support the continued growth of the club and provide a platform for further success."

"We know just how much the ground means to the fans and local community, it has been at the beating heart of Stockport for over 120 years."

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