West Brom Hawthorns stadium expansion plan put on hold

Demand for tickets has not increased sufficiently for the extension to go ahead, club chiefs said today.

The news came as Baggies declared a £1.5 million profit in their latest accounts unveiled at the club's annual general meeting in London.

Chief executive Mark Jenkins told shareholders at the AGM that the Baggies still plan to add extra seats at The Hawthorns.

But a large-scale expansion from the current 26,500 capacity will not happen until Albion officials are convinced that demand for tickets has increased sufficiently.

Shareholders approved the Baggies' accounts for the year ending June 2012, which showed a profit of £1.5m on a turnover of £66.7m, and asked for an update on plans for the stadium.

Mr Jenkins said: "We are constantly reviewing various plans to redevelop and improve the stadium. However, at the same time we are very mindful of the current economic climate with the potential that we will suffer a double-dip recession while Europe is in financial crisis.

"Locally, unemployment continues to rise and, despite significant reductions in season ticket prices this season, attendances are only up by about 300 per game, with average attendances at just over 25,000 and only once exceeding 26,000.

"Next season will see even more UK screened TV games, which will disrupt kick-off times further, while we still have excess capacity. Despite this we are still exploring opportunities to improve the stadium when demand arises."

Chairman Jeremy Peace told fans at a gala dinner in May 2011 that the ground would be extended to accommodate at least 30,000 fans within three years but those proposals could now be pushed back.

The club have drawn up plans to build an extra tier on the West Stand, formerly the Halfords Lane Stand, as well as alternative proposals for additional seats in the corners of the stadium.

But Baggies officials estimate any expansion would cost up to £15m and, despite several initiatives designed to boost attendances – including reductions in season ticket prices – the club are not yet convinced that demand justifies the cost of building work.

Mr Jenkins confirmed today that a planned tribute at the stadium to Baggies legend Tony "Bomber" Brown will happen irrespective of the expansion.