Concept designs were released yesterday by the Launceston City Council as part of the $6.4 redevelopment of York Park.

The concept designs for the grandstand are used by the council as part of the tender process and the final product may look slightly different.

Apart from the seating, the other key features include corporate and media facilities at the top, a mid- level restaurant- viewing area and AFL- standard changerooms underneath.

Work on the first stage, the $1.5 million enlargement and resurfacing of the oval to AFL specifications, is still due to start next month after the Royal Launceston Show.

The ground will be widened slightly to allow for extra-wide boundaries and also re- drained and built-up to provide an all-weather surface.

The second stage of the project involves the construction of light towers and the grandstand is expected to be finished by May next year.

The council is also waiting on a response from the State Government about its renewed involvement in the project.

The State Government was given three alternatives _ a $1 million 1000-seat grandstand, a $400,000 electronic scoreboard or $400,000 towards an additional light tower.

While the AFL has been forced to overlook York Park for pre-season and Ansett Cup games next season because of the reconstruction, York Park is expected to become the AFL's ground of preference in Tasmania.