PLANS to improve and expand AFC Bournemouth's training facilities have been drawn up and will go on display next week.

The Cherries' historic promotion to the Premier League has brought with it the need to adapt and improve the ground and the adjacent facilities in King's Park.

There are strict rules and regulations governing Premier League clubs and AFC Bournemouth has a very short timeframe to get its ground ready for top flight football.

A number of proposals have been drawn up and the club will hold a public exhibition next Friday to explain the changes to fans and residents.

The proposals include creating a new training pavilion, which will provide the club with replacement training facilities, sports therapy, changing facilities and a players' lounge,

The club also wants to use fencing to improve privacy at its training pitches next to the stadium and expand the number of pitches to three.

AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn said: "Following the most incredible season in the football club's history that resulted in our promotion to the Premier League, the club was faced with a number of decisions in relation to the facilities at the stadium.

"Having given careful consideration to a number of options we believe the provisions we have made are sympathetic to local residents and members of the public alike.

"Whilst making a decision not to expand the capacity of the stadium this season, there are several changes the club has had to make to ensure we comply with a number of Premier League requirements, in addition to ensuring the team has a facility worthy of a club that is totally committed to being competitive at the highest level.

“As a football club, we recognise our role at the heart of the community and therefore we are looking forward to inviting local people into the club to share with them the proposed changes.”

The plans are being put forward by Tanner and Tilley Town Planning. Director John Montgomery said: "We're now looking for comments from the public, and in particular the residents close to the park, to give us their feedback on the proposals so we can take them into consideration.

"We hope they'll respond positively to the proposals and continue to support the club as it takes on the next challenge of the Premier League."

The exhibition will be held on Friday, June 5 at the Champions Restaurant on the top floor of the Goldsands Stadium between 4pm and 7pm.

Carlie O'Neill, of Associate Seven PR, said: "This exhibition will give everyone the chance to see the proposal and voice their opinions on the development before the application is submitted."