Liverpool's planned stadium expansion took one more step towards reality yesterday when construction company Carillion were named the "preferred bidder" for the £75m project. Carillion are a well-known firm operating in the UK, Canada, and the Middle East

"I believe that being selected for this prestigious project reflects Carillion’s reputation for high standards of quality, health and safety and sustainability," said Carillion chief Richard Howson. "We’re looking forward to working closely with Liverpool Football Club to create new world-class facilities at its famous Anfield Stadium.

Carillion are said to be planning an "innovative construction programme" that would allow much of the Main Stand to be continue to be used during construction. Soluis Studios, a computer-generated architecture company, created a rendering of what that mid-construction phase might look like once it gets under way.

Congrats to @carillionplc :http://t.co/00HJSUKSnx had some avid Liverpool fans working on this & they're delighted! pic.twitter.com/W8W2C6U8E5 — Soluis Studios (@SoluisStudios) July 2, 2014

Of course, in order for construction to begin, much of the surrounding area must first be demolished. After years spent buying up houses on Lothair Road, which runs parallel to the stadium's Main Stand, the empty buildings are in the process of being demolished to make way for what will eventually become tree-lined public space.

Building firm lined up for Liverpool FC's Anfield expansion project #LFC http://t.co/9qn6EwMOTC pic.twitter.com/lTVwHOuNbV — Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) July 2, 2014

The stadium redevelopment is slated to be finished by the start of the 2015/16 season.