HEREFORDSHIRE Council leaders are expected to approve the first stage of the £14.375m Blackfriars End redevelopment next week.

Cabinet members will debate the proposals which look at refurbishing the Blackfriars End currently derelict.

Finance officers estimate the first stage will cost £1.71m which includes achieving planning permission and developing a fully costed technical design for the project.

The redevelopment plans include an accommodation block with around 103 en-suite units for students or key workers.

The accommodation would provide two entrances, together with space for students to socialise and carry out shared project working and will include laundry, offices and cycle storage on the ground floor together with separate bin storage for use by students and Hereford FC.

The proposals also include an option for a further partial-floor with around 12 en-suite student or key worker accommodation units and the block will include space on the ground floor suitable for commercial or community activities.

Part of the scheme will include a new stand, at a cost of up to £2.5m which will replace the structurally unsound and unusable structure at the Blackfriars Street end.

It will include a ground floor concourse with spectator facilities, commercial space and facilities for away supporters.

The stand will be suitable for Hereford FC’s needs and potentially suitable for wider community use. Consultants say the design shall take into account guidance and advice from the Sports Ground Safety Authority.