MORECAMBE Football Club has today announced ambitious plans to move to a new multi-million pound 6,000 capacity stadium in the Westgate area of the resort.

Morecambe chairman Peter McGuigan announced the exciting plans at a press conference today which could see the club move to its new home for the start of the 2009/10 season.

The scheme will also include an area for community use, a hotel and possible fast food franchises.

Mr McGuigan said: "The proposal will deliver a stadium worthy of a Football League side and will give an enormous boost to the club and people of Morecambe alike. The stadium will provide top class facilities for players, fans and sponsors and will be a historic development in the life of Morecambe Football Club.

“In addition, it will allow the Club to continue to attract top class players to Morecambe as well as enable us to expand our extremely popular community and youth development activities within the town. It will be a venue that we hope can accommodate up to 500 youngsters a week as part of our growing Football in the Community Scheme

“The new stadium will guarantee the financial stability of the Club for the future and also strengthen civic pride and confidence in Morecambe Football Club."

Mr McGuigan thanked officers from Lancaster City Council for their help in drawing up the plans, saying: “I would like to recognise the tremendous support given by the council in helping us to progress this ambitious development.’’

John Donnellon from Lancaster City Council said: "The Council recognise the important role a successful club like Morecambe can play in local life and it is encouraging to see the club planning to build on their recent successes.

“The project is an ambitious one with some challenging deadlines but subject to the agreement of cabinet on July 24 the council will be working with the club to produce a firm proposal that will help Morecambe FC realise their ambitions while also improving local sporting facilities and amenities for residents."

It is hoped that the plans will be submitted to Lancaster City Council within the next two months. The club will undertake a period of public consultation and will exhibit the plans in an effort to gain the views and support of everyone affected by the development.