Multi-million pound stadium for Torquay United

The Gulls have played at Plainmoor, which is owned by Torbay Council, for 105 years. Credit: ITV West Country

Torquay United are in the early stages of talks with an American development company and Torbay Council about building a new state of the art stadium.

The new ground, which could be called the Riviera Stadium, will be built by an American development company and will be on part of a 42-acre site near the Willows residential area.

David Phillips, Chairman, Torquay United

The Gulls have played at Plainmoor, which is owned by Torbay Council, for 105 years.

The current ground is already one of the best in the National League.

Bristow's Bench it was opened in 2012 and cost almost two million pounds Credit: ITV West Country

Some people including former Chairman Mervyn Benny think there's no need for the club to move, especially when the Gulls are struggling to avoid relegation.

Former Chairmam Mervyn Benny says Torquay should stay put Credit: ITV West Country

But Torquay officials say a move to a new ground with an all weather pitch is essential to open up other revenue streams.

Stephen Breed, Chief Executive, Torquay United

If all goes according to plan the new stadium, would have an initial capacity of around six thousand and could be opened as early as the 2017-18 season.