The plans are part of wider regeneration proposals, which could provide a new direct rail link between Burnley and Manchester.

The plans also include the country's first 'StadiArena' stand - a dual facility to house exhibitions, rock concerts and conferences 365-days a year, in tandem with matchday use.

The proposals include:

• Building the country's first 'Football University' at Turf Moor on the current site of Burnley Cricket Club • Erecting a new stand at Turf Moor to replace the ageing David Fishwick (Cricket Field) Stand • Re-locating Burnley Cricket Club to a superb new location on the former Towneley Park School in Towneley Park • Redeveloping Weaver's Triangle by building high-quality student accommodation and new entertainment complex • Upgrading the Leeds/Liverpool Canal and Yorkshire Street; the gateway to the new University • Re-opening the 'Todmorden Curve', linking Burnley directly to Manchester via a dedicated rail link

The ambitious plans would be a collaboration between many partners, including Burnley Football Club, Burnley Borough Council, The Prince's Charities and Burnley Cricket Club, while funding for the multi-million-pound scheme would be raised through debt funding, private equity and grant funding.

Burnley FC Chief Executive Paul Fletcher who will be leading the project on behalf of the football club, said: "On the basis of one idea involving the building of a new stand at the football club, this could become a much bigger idea, shared by all parties.
 
"If you dare to dream, dream big and this is not just about Burnley Football Club, this is about the whole town of Burnley and potentially leaving a massive legacy brought on by promotion to the Premier League.

If the plans do not go-ahead Burnley FC says it will plough on and build a new stand at Turf Moor.