The Steelers no longer are working with a Baltimore developer on a proposed amphitheater and entertainment complex on the North Shore and are now looking to put together a new development plan by the end of the year.

The team has notified the state that it intends to withdraw an application for up to $10 million in grants for infrastructure improvements to support North Shore Live!, a project that featured an amphitheater with a glass-like top, nightclubs and restaurants.

It had been working with the Cordish Co. of Baltimore on the complex, which was to be built in a parking lot adjacent to Heinz Field.

However, Frank Kass, chairman of Continental Real Estate Cos., which is developing the land between the stadium and PNC Park, said yesterday Cordish no longer was involved and that the Steelers have "changed direction" on what they want to do in terms of the amphitheater and nightclubs.

"The way the project was going was not going to be feasible for many reasons," he said. "Everyone parted as friends. The Steelers are now working on an alternative that we're working on with them."

In a statement, Mark Hart, the Steelers' director of business, said Heinz Field manager PSSI Stadium Corp. "has advised the Stadium Authority and the state that we are now working with other developers with regard to the site and that Continental developers have become involved in the planning.

Mr. Kass said the Steelers still expect to develop some type of entertainment venue at the site. But he added the North Shore Live! development, as conceived, had logistical challenges, including seating and a barrier wall, that proved to be difficult to overcome.

The Steelers intend to have nightclubs and outdoor entertainment in the development but it "has to be formatted differently" and will be a little more promotional oriented, Mr. Kass said.

Mary Conturo, executive director of the city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority, which served as the conduit for the state grant application, said the agency was aware of the change in direction.

"It's our understanding that the structure that was the subject of the application may not be what they're pursuing and that they're looking at other alternatives," she said.

Cordish officials could not be reached for comment.

Mr. Kass said the team still plans to pursue state funding for the new development. The goal is to start construction next year with an opening in 2009.

The North Shore Live! project would have featured an open air concert venue with a top to protect patrons from inclement weather. It would have been surrounded by restaurants, clubs and shops. There also were plans for an outdoor performance plaza.

Cordish has developed similar districts in a number of other cities, including Louisville and Kansas City.

The Steelers have long wanted to develop an amphitheater at the site. They originally had plans for a 5,600-seat venue but had trouble trying to negotiate a deal with a promoter and finalizing the economics of the project. At one time they also had plans for an indoor nightclub.