Elland Road expansion gets the nod
Leeds City Council approved the club’s application on Thursday, with work to expand the West and North stands alongside alterations to the South Stand set to increase capacity to around 53,000.
Leeds United Football Club submitted a hybrid planning application in July, with the plans inspiring the council’s own regeneration plans relating to the 30 acres of council-owned land around the venue, which could include up to 2,000 homes and commercial opportunities.
LUFC owner 49ers Enterprises has employed a project team that includes planning consultant Quod, architect KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold, and a management team at RISE.
Broadly, the application is seeking permission for the redevelopment of the West Stand (John Charles Stand) and outline planning permission for redevelopment of the North Stand (Don Revie Stand).
The proposed works aim to increase stadium capacity to 53,000, representing an increase of circa 15,500 seats and making Elland Road the seventh largest club stadium in the UK as well as compliant with UEFA Category 4 standards.
The application also covers extensive hard and soft landscaping works, upgraded parking and access arrangements, and associated infrastructure improvements.
In addition, the club has applied for full planning permission to create dedicated coach parking facilities, complete with boundary treatments and landscaping enhancements.
The redevelopment scheme also proposes the demolition of several existing buildings and structures around the stadium, alongside temporary works including landscaping and parking adjustments.
Enabling works are expected to start immediately, with construction commencing following the end of the season.
The upgrades will allow the club to bid for fixtures in international tournaments, adding to its earning power for the wider city.
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, said: “It’s not just for the football fans, numerous as they may be; the amount of employment this will create is fantastic.
“I think the stadium itself is almost an anchor for why people are going to come there and why people are going to love this area.”
Chairman Paraag Marathe said: “This is a historic day for Leeds United Football Club.
“As custodians of this great club, we are committed to its long-term success, and today’s decision supports our ambition to establish Leeds in the Premier League and continue progressing over the years to come.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the project to date, for helping us reach this point.”
