Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington says plans to redevelop the rugby side of Headingley Carnegie stadium will begin in 2011.

The South stand, North stand and the pitch areas will be upgraded as the club looks to improve facilities.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: "The big one of course is the South stand and we would wish to start that next year.

"Obviously it takes time to do that but that one could be ready for the 2012 Super League season."

He added that the fans have a big part to play for the changes to go ahead which will see a new South stand, redevelopments to the North stand, a new pitch and drainage system plus an interactive video screen at the 120-year-old stadium.

"What we've outlined is what our vision is for going forward and that is to restore Headingley to its pre-eminence as an international sports venue.

"There are four parts to it. We know we have to replace the current south stand, that was condemned a few years ago, and that needs to be completely replaced.

"We want to make improvements to the North stand as well. Beyond that we also have problems with the drainage system and the pitch.

"We ultimately need a brand new drainage system and pitch and to provide for all those it'll cost in the region of £10m."

606: DEBATE brian noble recently said that headingley is one of the best places to play, its also been said by many current and past players. great traditional stadium steeped in history. chesterhino

Hetherington stressed that the process will involve the fans and insists that such a project will not put the club into financial difficulty.

"We need to be absolutely transparent about the challenge ahead," he added.

"We've worked hard over the years to get the club into a debt-free position and if we are to embark on this, we've got to have a knowledge that we can borrow the money and that we've got the finances to pay it back."

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