Sheffield's Hillsborough stadium is set to undergo a £22m redevelopment after Sheffield Wednesday Football Club (SWFC) received full planning permission for the scheme from the local authority.

The four-stage project, which aims to transform the venue in a bid to be named as one of the host venues for the 2018 World Cup, will include a new landmark roof structure for the Kop stand and an increase in seating capacity to 44,825. Pillars in both the Kop and West stands will be removed in order to improve the spectator experience as part of the scheme, which will cost an initial £9.8m to bring the stadium up to FIFA requirements for World Cup matches.

The scheme will include the creation of a new learning zone in the West Stand, 17 new corporate boxes in the North Stand and the installation of eco-friendly solar cell and rainwater harvesting technology. SWFC chair Lee Strafford said: "Sheffield City Council has recognised the strong community aspects of our design and we are looking forward to making Sheffield Wednesday an iconic home for our team, our supporters and our community fit for the 21st century.

"All fans would agree that Hillsborough is in need of investment and our next task is to secure funding for the various aspects of our proposals. We have already started the grant application process for the West Stand Learning Zone and we are really pleased that we now have the green light to advance our plans with this planning decision." The scheme, which was unanimously approved by planners at Sheffield City Council, is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.