AMBITIOUS plans for Roots Hall stadium to make way for 504 homes are set to be unveiled this month.

Southend United has told residents and businesses around the stadium in Victoria Avenue two exhibitions will be held in the Blues Legends Lounge in the stadium from next week.

The exhibition of plans, which include retail and parking space for more than 600 cars on the site opposite historic St Mary’s church, will give residents and chance to see how the scheme will affect them.

The Roots Hall site in Victoria Avenue is pivotal to the stadium plans, providing funding towards the new ground.

Plans for a new 21,000 seater Southend United stadium at Fossetts Farm, off Eastern Avenue, are still being considered by Southend Council planners.

In a letter to residents the club said: “Southend United Football Club has long held ambitions to relocate to a new stadium.

“We remain positive that there will be a recommendation for members to consider in the coming months.

“The club has therefore been progressing proposals for the redevelopment of Roots Hall Stadium, which helps to facilitate the move to Fossetts Farm.”

The letter said the council would not allow the club to move from the Roots Hall Stadium without a new stadium being constructed at Fossetts Farm.

It added: “The club would welcome residents’ feedback to the emerging plans and proposals for the redevelopment of the Roots Hall site.”

The plan has more homes than previously indicated.

The club had said 472 homes would be proposed for the site.

The exhibition will take place on Saturday, August 10, from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on Wednesday, August 14, from 6pm to 9pm.

Anyone who can’t attend these dates will be able to view the consultation page of the PowerHause Consultancy website from Saturday until August 26.

Go to www.powerhauseconsultancy.co.uk