Plans have been unveiled for the first phase of development at the home of Sheffield United Football Club (SUFC).

It is part of a long-term vision for the Bramall Lane stadium, which could ultimately see the club hosting games in the 2018 World Cup, should a Football Association bid to host the event succeed. The club plans to submit a planning application by the end of October to increase the capacity of The Kop stand by more than 3,000 seats, as well as constructing a new cantilever roof which will allow the existing central pillars to be removed.

A new multi-use games area, to be managed by United Initiative, the club's community charity is also among the plans, as are a new student accommodation block and new office, community and education facilities. WCEC Architects has come up with the design for the new stand, which will increase the stadium's capacity to 36,000 seats. The club also intends to further raise it to 40,000 through the redevelopment of the South Stand.

SUFC's chief executive, Jason Rockett, said: "Over recent years we have upgraded supporters' facilities, have increased the capacity to just under 33,000, and have seen the club become the best supported in the Championship. "We continue to plan for the medium to long-term, putting in place the infrastructure to support a growing fan base. We have also taken a longer term view and identified the opportunities which would enable Sheffield and Bramall Lane to be a part of any 2018 bid."

The plans are now available for the club's fans and local residents to have their say.