Wolves close to decision on Molineux redevelopment

A decision on whether Wolves' £40 million transformation dream will go ahead at the end of the season will be made within days, the club said this afternoon.

The development, which will see Molineux's capacity increased from 29,408 to 37,000, was originally believed to have hinged on Wolves staying in the Premier League.

But Mr Morgan is making a decision early to allow time for contractors to be chosen and materials ordered.

Wolves spokesman Matt Grayson said: "A decision regarding whether or not we'll proceed with stadium redevelopment in the summer will be made in late January or early February and everything is still on track."

Planning bosses hope the transformation of the ground will be the catalyst for other developments to help change the face of the city.

Members of the council's planning committee unanimously backed the redevelopment, which will see the dream of owner Steve Morgan to bring the pitch closer to fans become a reality.

The Stan Cullis Stand will be demolished and replaced with a new two-tier stand, before the Steve Bull Stand is rebuilt.

A new store, museum, banqueting suites and cafe will also be created.

Peal House, the former base of construction giant Carillion, is to be redeveloped as a 180-space car park.

Concerns had been raised about the proposed reduction of disabled parking bays from 46 to 12.

But club bosses insist the move is only temporary during the construction phase.

Mr Morgan has spoken of his desire to change the face of Molineux in stages.The initial phases of the project could be completed in time for the 2014/15 season. Wolves will then decide if further expansion, which will take the capacity to 50,000, is necessary.

But the grand plans have come with a warning of disruption and reduced capacity while the work is carried out.

More than 1,000 local people were invited to view plans and the feedback was said by Wolves to be "very positive".

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has said the Molineux redevelopment would be a "source of Civic pride for everyone connected to the club and the city."