A new era for Elland Road is on the horizon. Leeds United has officially submitted a planning application for the expansion and modernisation of their historic stadium. If approved, the venue will gain increased capacity and new modern amenities.

Legacy stepping into future

Elland Road, located in the Beeston district of Leeds, has been an integral part of Leeds United F.C.’s identity for over a century. Since 1919, The Whites have played their home matches at this venue. The current capacity stands at 37,608, but the ambitions of the club, its owners, and fans go much further.

In July 2025, the club submitted a formal planning application to Leeds City Council, marking the next chapter in Elland Road’s history. The project, designed by the renowned firm KSS Design Group, proposes a comprehensive redevelopment of the West Stand, along with preliminary changes to the North Stand.

© Leeds United Football Club

Consultations with fans and the community

The planning process took more than a year and included extensive public consultations held in April, May, and June. Supporters and local residents were invited to share their views on the investment plans.

This marks an exciting milestone for the project and the club following the conclusion of thorough public consultations […] we look forward to progressing the design to the next stage, said KSS Design Group.

The results were overwhelmingly positive: 98% of participants supported the overall redevelopment concept, 97% agreed with increasing the stadium’s capacity, 98% approved of the proposed design, and 99% saw economic benefits for the city.

This is a result of the hard work of everyone involved over the past 18 months where the designs and concepts have been developed to revitalize the Elland Road Stadium whilst preserving the unique history and heritage it holds, said Leeds United’s Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg.

More than 1,800 people visited a public exhibition held at the Centenary Pavilion, while additional feedback was gathered via surveys.

© Leeds United Football Club

What are the project details?

The submitted plans focus on the redevelopment of the West Stand, which is expected to reach a final capacity of 17,750 seats – matching the size of the current East Stand. The North Stand, in its new form, will grow from 10,414 to 15,300 seats.

The infrastructure will be built without temporarily reducing the number of available seats. Moreover, the club pledged to minimise disruption during construction, ensuring matches can continue largely unaffected.

Upon completion of the West Stand, a new fan zone will be created, along with a new north-east corner featuring accessible seating for wheelchair users.

Once all redevelopment stages are complete, Elland Road is set to offer 53,000 seats. This figure is no coincidence – currently, 26,000 fans are on the waiting list for season tickets. Increased capacity also opens new possibilities for hosting events.

In the planning documents, Leeds United confirmed the stadium will be used not only for Premier League and European football but also for concerts and non-sporting events. Up to eight such events per year are envisaged.

The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented. Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club, said Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe.

© Leeds United Football Club

When will work begin?

A planning decision is expected within 12 to 13 weeks, meaning Leeds City Council could deliver its verdict before the end of October 2025.

If approved, construction of the new West Stand is scheduled to begin in May 2026 and continue until late 2028. Work on the North Stand is planned for a later stage, with completion set for the end of 2030.