It's already the oldest functioning stadium in professional football. Instead of tearing it down, Sheffield United want to build on this legacy and expand further. Here's the plan...

Presented last week, the two below renderings present what Sheffield United want to do with their legendary Bramall Lane stadium. In operation since 1855, the ground could grow to over 40,000 if all of these works are implemented as announced.

Along the plan by Sheffield United, Bramall Lane is expected to grow from two sides. Primarily, the main south stand will get a second tier, gaining 5,400 new seats and dominating the entire stadium in terms of height.

From the outside, the upgraded stand will be defined by four rounded columns hiding staircases, as well as large expanses of natural glazing helping to promote an active frontage and flood daylight into the main entrance and triple height conference space behind. In order to fit the extra floor space, available parking will be reconfigured into a 2-level one (capacity decreased from 310 to 250 cars).

Another part, for which the club had already received planning application back in 2009 (then extended in 2012), is the expansion of east end, the Kop. Further rows on top of the single tier should see further 3,400 seats added. At the same time, this stand would get completely new access/egress routes.

Between the two stands, in the south-eastern corner, a brand new pavilion would be built, called by the club the Business Enterprise Centre.

Finally, along stadium expansion the club is also running residential developments beside Bramall Lane, including 45 apartments south of the stadium and 52 further in the north-east part of the plot. The residential part on both sides has valid planning permission and should arrive soon.

As for the south stand expansion, Sheffield United announced last week planning application will be filed around late December or early January, so the decision is expected as soon as spring 2018. Works are expected to be carried out during continued use of the stadium.