Apart from a new east stand theNorthampton stadium will get a conference centre and hotel, while residential estate will grow beside it. Groundbreaking is scheduled for tomorrow.

Sixfields Stadium in Northampton is known for the possibility of watching games from a hill outside the ground. It’s also where Coventry City found asylum in their recent stadium conflict. But from tomorrow the spotlight is turning to redevelopment plans created last year. Works officially start with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.

In 2013 it was suggested to create additional commercial facilities and improve the business potential. With upgraded west grandstand and new east side Sixfields will grow to 10,000 people. Outside the stadium a 100-room hotel and 800-guest conference centre will be created, followed by residential development.

Simon Patnick, Chief Operating Officer of County Group said: “It’s clear that the coming together of these 3 groups has led to a bright and prosperous future for Sixfields and its local area, not only providing future jobs, wealth and value to the area but also giving Northampton Town Football Club the ability to be self financing and having the opportunity to generate increased levels of income to help the club move up the football ladder and become a 24/7/365 business.”

Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council said: “This is a really significant day for Northampton Town Football Club and for Northampton. Increasingly success in professional sports is as much about what happens off the pitch as on it and the expansion of Sixfields Stadium and the surrounding area will help to regenerate the west of Northampton and develop the club.

“We are committed to supporting the Cobblers, and helping the club to take full advantage of the business opportunities of being located in our Enterprise Zone.”

David Cardoza, Chairman of Northampton Town added, “This is a momentous day for Northampton Town Football Club. We are so grateful to David Mackintosh and Northampton Borough Council for their support, without which we wouldn’t be in this position. They have been fantastic in helping to deliver a facility of which the town will be truly proud.”