Gateshead Football Club (GFC) has announced plans to develop a new 9,000-capacity stadium on a derelict site formerly occupied by North Durham Cricket and Rugby Club.

The proposals, unveiled a week after the club confirmed that it intends to become a full-time professional club in 2010, form part of wider efforts to boost GFC's bid to gain promotion to the Football League. Plans for the stadium include a 2,000-seat main stand, a medical room, dressing rooms, a reception and club offices, and media facilities, as well as executive boxes and multi-purpose space for matchday hospitality.

The venue, which will boast a 105m x 68m (344ft x 223ft) FIFA standard pitch, will also form part of Newcastle/Gateshead's bid to be included as a host city for the 2018 World Cup. GFC chair Graham Wood said: "We have achieved an awful lot over the last few years and the construction of a new stadium in a central location is pivotal to our aspirations.

"It is ideally placed for the transport network. It will also be within walking distance for many supporters and will enable us to increase our fan base. Having our own stadium will also enable us to further develop our income streams and allow us to continue to drive the club forward."