Leeds United Football Club has secured planning consent for the expansion of Elland Road Stadium.
The proposed plans will see the stadium’s capacity increased from 37,645 to 53,000 through the expansion of the West and North Stands and targeted alterations to the South Stand.
The historic ground will be transformed into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, placing the Premier League football club among the elite venues in European football.
In addition to improved seating and sightlines throughout the expanded stands, concourses amenity spaces and hospitality facilities will be enhanced inside and around the stadium. Enabling works will commence immediately, with major construction activity scheduled to begin following the end of the current season.
The stadium will remain open throughout the expansion, ensuring the club continues to play its home matches at Elland Road, which is famed for its raucous atmosphere.
Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds United FC, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the expansion of Elland Road Stadium. 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.”
Morrie Eisenberg, chief business officer at Leeds United FC, added: “From setting out our initial ambitions for Elland Road in late September 2024 to receiving planning approval today, the progress we have made is something we are immensely proud of. This has been a truly collective effort, with Leeds City Council, our local communities in Holbeck and Beeston, National Highways, our expert advisers and, most importantly, our supporters all pulling together to reach this milestone.
“The overwhelming level of support, with 98% of respondents backing the proposals, demonstrates how deeply this club and stadium matter to the city. Without our fans, this moment would not be possible. The expansion will allow us to welcome thousands more supporters through the gates, reduce the 26,000-strong season ticket waiting list, and create a better matchday experience for everyone.
“The stadium expansion project is also the first step towards the wider regeneration of the Elland Road neighbourhood. Alongside our partners, we are committed to ensuring this development delivers lasting social and economic benefits, from job creation to increased investment, while continuing to grow our community impact through the Leeds United Foundation and organisations such as Holbeck Together.”
