WORK could begin in the spring on construction of a 100-bed hotel at Ewood Park with 40 bedrooms having views of the pitch.

The hotel would be incorporated into a new stand which would replace the present Walkersteel stand.

Ewood chiefs say the hotel would be of a three or four star standard and part of a new 15,000 seater stand which would raise ground capacity to 40,000.

It is envisaged that the stand would be built in time for the millennium with plans being submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council in the autumn.

But in a letter to the council, chief executive John Williams, who detailed the plans, also warned: "It is possible that the timetable could be one year premature."

No detailed conference facilities are planned for the stand as these are currently provided in the Darwen End, Blackburn End and Jack Walker Stand.

The ground floor of the stand has been earmarked by the club as a flexible space with the most likely use being for exhibitions, although it may be used for "sports facilities" as well.

John Williams added: "We currently have no firm plans for the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre but we are considering extending the current Darwen End Health club."

Meanwhile councillors will once again consider proposals for a new club shop, sports bar and giant video screen at Ewood on Thursday.

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