Full details of the Elland Road redevelopment project will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Leeds City Council Executive Board on April 23.

Increased stadium capacity and revitalization of surrounding area

Plans include transforming a 30-acre area around the Elland Road, supported by a year-round Mass Rapid Transit system serving the south of the city. During the meeting, an ambitious proposal package will be unveiled, including Leeds United’s request to increase the stadium's capacity to 56,500 seats. If approved, Elland Road would rank among the top sports venues in the country.

The land directly surrounding the stadium is owned by Leeds City Council, meaning that agreements between the club and the council will be necessary before any expansion begins. A report to the executive board outlines the potential of the club’s proposal within the broader Elland Road area, including roughly 30 acres of city-owned land. This site could be redeveloped to unlock multi-billion-pound investment opportunities.

© chillilogic.com

City pledges full support for Leeds United’s vision

At the upcoming meeting, council members will be asked to recognize the massive potential of the Elland Road regeneration project and to approve the initiation of legal processes required to transfer council-owned land to Leeds United – a necessary step to allow for the stadium’s expansion. They’ll also vote on approving a memorandum of understanding with the club’s development partner, the Lowy Family Group (LFG), and begin an initial collaboration period with LFG regarding broader regeneration potential and strategies for the area around the stadium.

Additionally, the council plans to update its vision for revitalizing the area surrounding the expanded stadium and prepare for future public consultations, allowing the local community to actively participate in shaping the project. Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, stated: Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of this city, and the club deserves a stadium that reflects its unique status and incredible supporters.

The council pledges full commitment to supporting the stadium expansion and close cooperation with the club to create a modern venue that meets the needs of the team, fans, and broader sports community. From an urban planning perspective, the redevelopment of the Elland Road area is viewed as one of the most promising investments in years, with potential to breathe new life into a large part of Leeds and generate significant economic benefits for the local economy.

© David Locke