BBC NEWS:Leeds United FC Unveils Ambitious Expansion Elland Road Stadium Plans

Leeds City Council has been recommended to enter into negotiations to sell land to Leeds United Football Club (LUFC) that would enable it to expand its Elland Road Stadium.

It has also been told to start collaborating with the football club to seize the “major economic growth opportunity” available in regenerating the area surrounding the stadium.

LUFC is seeking to enhance Elland Road Stadium in south Leeds, a venue synonymous with the club since 1919. This development follows the club’s reacquisition of the stadium in 2024, and a report to be presented to Leeds City Council’s Executive Board next week outlines the significant opportunities this expansion presents for leisure, tourism and economic growth in the area.

The report highlights Elland Road as a designated asset of community value, situated on approximately 12ha of cleared brownfield land that is currently being temporarily used for Park and Ride facilities. The club aims to increase the stadium’s seating capacity from 37,645 to around 56,500, potentially making it the seventh-largest club stadium in the country. The aspiration is to obtain UEFA Category 4 status, aligning Elland Road with Europe’s elite stadia.

The football club announced its intention for the expansion last autumn, enlisting KSS as architect and Buro Happold as structural engineer.

This ambitious project will see improvements to the West and North stands while aiming to preserve the unique atmosphere that has made Elland Road a formidable presence in English football. The construction approach would be phased to minimise loss of seating capacity during construction.

LUFC has engaged in pre-application discussions with the local planning authority and plans to undertake public consultations regarding its forthcoming planning application, which is expected to be submitted in 2025. Construction is projected to commence on the West Stand within the next year, provided that planning approval is granted.