Leeds United’s stadium regeneration plans move forward as capacity goal outlined

Senior councillors are set to be briefed on plans to make Leeds United’s Elland Road home one of the country’s largest stadiums.

Plans to expand Elland Road have been in the offing for a while, with demand for tickets having soared in recent years.

The club have made no secret of their desire to meet the increased demand and have detailed plans for an increase in the stadium’s capacity.

Councillors will be briefed on a plan to increase capacity to up to 56,500, a major increase on the current capacity of 37,792.

As land immediately surrounding the stadium is owned by Leeds City Council, agreements will need to be struck before expansion.

Leeds City Council leader James Lewis said: “Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of the city, and the club deserves a stadium befitting of its special status and incredible fans.

“Naturally we’re keen to support this however we can, and to work closely with the club to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve their ambitions and build a bigger, brighter future for the club, their supporters and sport in the city.”

The report to be put before councillors details a plan to regenerate the surrounding area, with long-term plans including the renewal of the local high street and improvements to traditional terraced homes.

It is believed plans could unlock billions of pounds of investment and with a potential mass rapid transit link for South Leeds, there is thought to be potential for Elland Road to become a year-round destination.

Members of the council will be asked to note the project’s ‘huge potential’ and approve the beginning of legal agreements to dispose of council lands to the club.