1874 NORTHWICH have asked experts to design a stadium that could become a base in the town in the future.

Architects at Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) will deliver a vision of what the ground might look like, and how much it would cost to build, in the next few months.

The club hopes to present the plan to supporters before the end of this year.

“We hope this commission will help us to convince a number of key parties that our goal of finding a permanent home in Northwich is both serious and authentic,” said Paul Stockton, 1874’s chairman.

“It will provide us with something we can all be excited and enthused by, while also being feasible and affordable.”

1874 have hosted opponents at nearby Winsford since their formation in November 2012, an arrangement that will continue for at least the next two seasons.

However they remain committed to moving to a space they can call their own in Northwich.

“The ground-share at Barton Stadium has been a success,” said James Wood, an 1874 board member with responsibility for overseeing the project.

“But it can’t deliver our long-term objective, which is to be a hub for the sporting and wider community in our home town.”

FWP’s initial task is to develop a generic plan for a ground fit to host North West Counties League matches.

However it should be flexible enough to be upgraded if the team earns promotion to a higher level on the pitch.

The Preston-based firm worked with FC United of Manchester to develop their Broadhurst Park home, which opened last year.

They are also behind an ambitious £18m project in Lancashire that includes a new ground for National League North AFC Fylde, who played at the level Ian Street’s side do now as recently as 2009.

“FWP’s expertise will give us a blueprint, with costs, to build a stadium that can be developed should we go up,” said Wood.

“In choosing them to be our partners, we have engaged a company which has an impressive track record.”

At this early stage, a plan will be drawn up without a specific site in mind.

Instead it would be adjusted once one has been found.

FWP’s commission does not include finding land for a stadium.

Wood added: “That doesn’t mean their work will be wasted.

“It would be a case of fitting what we need into the footprint of a site we eventually decide on.”

FWP will be supported by Manchester-based engineering consultants Scott Hughes Design.

Wood told the Guardian the club has also asked funding specialists The Sport Business for advice on how building a new ground might be paid for.

“1874 Northwich is a progressive and ambitious club and we’re looking forward to helping them,” said Nick Wiley, an associate partner at FWP.

“We’re football fans ourselves, and have worked on many projects with non-league clubs in partnership with councils, stakeholders and the community to help them realise their long-term ambitions.”