AFC Bournemouth has announced the intention to submit plans to increase the capacity of Vitality Stadium.

The plans, which include the installation of a new permanent South Stand and the south west and south east corners of the stadium being filled in, are set to go on display to supporters and local residents in a public exhibition at Vitality Stadium on Thursday 17th March. 

“We are now nearing the end of a truly groundbreaking season for AFC Bournemouth, the first of the club’s 118-year history to be played in the top flight of English football,” Cherries chief executive Neill Blake said. 

“Whilst we are delighted with the progress that the team has been making on the pitch in the Barclays Premier League, we are fully aware that demand for tickets far outweighs our current capacity and we hope that developing a new South Stand will give more supporters the opportunity to come and watch their local football team. 

“We believe the plans we have proposed are sympathetic to local residents and members of the general public alike, and we hope that with this sensitive development we will continue to build a football club that the town can be proud of. 

“While the club’s success has brought a new national and international focus on the town, our local community has always been an important and vital element of the football club.  Therefore we are inviting local people to come to the club later this month to share our proposals with them.”

The exhibition will be held on Thursday 17th March 2016 at Vitality Stadium between 4pm and 7pm. Plans will be available for comments on the evening.