Research Triangle Park, N.C. — The Research Triangle Park is embarking on a master plan to help position the area for growth in the coming years.

Design firm Cooper, Robertson & Partners outlined ideas for the plan on Monday at a meeting with the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

Over the next few years, the architects of the plan will look at the infrastructure and possible land use needs to stay competitive with other business hubs across the country. The RTP wants to remain a viable location for the international business community.

Some of the components of the plan will include land use, transportation needs, zoning recommendations and amenities.

It will be the first comprehensive master plan for RTP since 1959. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

More than 170 companies operate in RTP and employ more than 42,000 workers and 10,000 contractors, according to the RTP Foundation.