The plans, which would focus on improving the venue ahead of the start of the 2010 season, include floodlights, better changing rooms and facilities to encourage more media coverage of the club.

Mark Tagg, chief executive, said Northants needed to stay competitive as the cricket scene changed and evolved, with plans in place to roll out an English version of the successful Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition in two years' time.

He said: "We're talking about the desire to have floodlights at the ground and that's quite a big part of the proposal.

"On top of that there's a need for improved media facilities and part of the plan would be to put some permanent facilities in for television to take away the need for horrible scaffolding."

Mr Tagg said the plans would combine the three buildings at the Wantage Road entrance to provide a manned reception.

He said: "It's about enhancing what we've got, and currently, the players' changing facilities are very poor. They have fallen behind the standard you would expect at a first class cricket club.

"It would also enable us to host major games and if we have got extra facilities then again it helps us to attract these overseas sides.

"Floodlights could be a contentious issue and I would love to have them in place for the 2010 season, but I want to give people an idea of what we're looking to do so they can be a part of it."

Last month, the County Ground came bottom of a fans' poll to find the best uninterrupted view. The Steelbacks' supporters said they wanted better spectator facilities with more shelter.

Borough councillor Brian Hoare (Lib Dem, Abington) said he hoped residents would be able to give feedback to the club over the plans.

Councillor Hoare said: "I would hope that the cricket club makes sure that all residents have the opportunity of viewing them and express their opinions."

The public exhibition will take place next Thursday with presentations in the Turner Suite, Wantage Road, at 4.30pm and 6.30pm.