Blackburn Rovers have opened talks to complete the redevelopment of Ewood Park in partnership with international property group AMEC.

The Manchester-based developer is looking at the feasibility of rebuilding the Walkersteel Stand which would increase the ground's capacity to 35,000.

But chief executive John Williams, who announced the move at the club's annual general meeting yesterday, warned that any deal would have to be largely self-financing for the club to go ahead.

Mr Williams confirmed that the club had an agreement with AMEC to explore the potential of redeveloping the Walkersteel Stand, together with surrounding land.

He said the company would be reporting back to the club by mid-summer on its initial proposals which could include a hotel, offices, retail or leisure facilities.

As yet the club can put no cost on the scheme.

Blackburn Rovers scrapped previous plans to complete the redevelopment of Ewood Park when the club was relegated in 1999.

Mr Williams, however, said the resurrection of the Walkersteel Stand scheme would be dependent on finance from potential development partners.

"We are at a very early stage," he said. "AMEC is looking at maximising the use of both the stadium and surrounding land.

"Architecturally, it would be a big improvement to the stadium. But we wouldn't want it to be a white elephant."

With average gates of around 25,000, Rovers seldom fill the 30,000 capacity at Ewood Park and the club accepts there is no pressing need for an additional 5,000 seats.

Mr Williams said he hoped any major redevelopment would also be able to improve traffic movement on the A666 Bolton Road.

In the late 1990s, Rovers submitted plans for a 100-bed hotel at Ewood Park with 40 bedrooms having views of the pitch.

It was originally envisaged that the stand would be built in time for the millennium and would also feature extensive exhibition facilities.