Liverpool Football Club has unveiled its stadium expansion plans with detailed proposals for the expansion of its Main Stand and outline proposals for expansion of its Anfield Road Stand. 

Public consultation and exhibitions on the proposals are scheduled for this week and Liverpool are asking for residents, fans and local businesses to give their views as part of its planning application, which they expect to submit in the summer.

The exhibition shows the detailed design proposals for the redevelopment of the Main Stand which could add an additional 8,500 seats taking the Main Stand capacity to nearly 21,000 and overall Anfield capacity to around 54,000.

The scheme will include a two-storey podium and a carefully designed cloister which will become the new home for the Hillsborough Memorial.

The outline proposals for the Anfield Road Stand provide for an increase in its capacity of around 4,800 seats.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC managing director, said, "As part of our proposed stadium redevelopment project, we have unveiled the detail of our ambitious plans for an expanded Main Stand and Anfield Road stand and are embarking on a consultation process which will shape and inform our planning application.

"In order to move forward with our expansion plans we need to have certainty that we can navigate the complex planning process and secure the support of the community, local home owners, businesses and other key stakeholders. This consultation exercise is an important part of this process.

"We started this journey just over 18 months ago and a lot of work has already been done, there is still an incredible amount to do, but good progress has been made so far and we are proud to be able to unveil our plans."

Liverpool, under the ill-fated stewardship of former owners Hicks and Gillett, had planned to build a new stadium at Stanley Park. Those plans were scrapped in favour of redeveloping their current home, Anfield and a wider regeneration of the Anfield area in conjunction with the local council and Your Housing Group.

Following this consultation process, Liverpool FC expects to refine its plans and submit a planning application to the City Council during the summer.

If consent is granted, construction work on the proposed Main Stand could begin early next year and it could be complete in time for the 2016-17 season.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: "This is another important step in our ambitions to transform the Anfield area, bringing new jobs, investment and housing. 

"The overall regeneration of Anfield will see £260m invested in the local community and will deliver hundreds of jobs - Liverpool Football Club's proposals for the stadium are a key part of this.

"We are all committed to delivering a brighter future for Anfield and the club's exhibition is a clear signal that real progress is being made with all our plans.