Designs for a new stand at Sheffield United will celebrate the city’s steel industry, the club has revealed.

The Blades have proposed to add more than 5,400 seats to the second tier of Bramall Lane’s South Stand, as well as new executive boxes and a media centre.

Designs by local architects Whittam Cox will celebrate the exposed steelwork supporting the cantilever roof from above, using high-quality profiled steel cladding and areas of red brickwork to help anchor the building.

Dedicated feature signage zones will help ensure it fits within the masterplan vision for Bramall Lane.

A statement from the club said: “The designs befit the heritage and prestige of the Bramall Lane stadium, its place in world football – it is the world's oldest continuously used professional football venue – and United.”

The plans also include four semi-circular staircase enclosures and large expanses of natural glazing, helping to create an active frontage and flood daylight into the main entrance and conference space behind.

“This is very much about looking ahead following our promotion to the Championship and potentially a place in the highest tier of the English game,” said United’s chief operating officer, Andrew Birks.

“We have a rich historical background in the city and within football. Our stadium of the future will reflect this relationship and be capable of contributing to the long-term future of the Blades.”

Ashley Turner, chief executive of Whittam Cox Architects, said: “Bramall Lane is a significant landmark within the city. We’re presenting proposals where high quality and strong development plans are paramount.

“We’ve taken into consideration influences from the local housing and industrial heritage which have been integrated into an exciting design for the South Stand with a number of stand-out features.”

Outline planning permission has been granted, with final plans due to be submitted in January and a decision from Sheffield City Council expected in the spring.