Elland Road stadium has been granted permission to go ahead with plans to increase capacity and bring improvements for fans
Leeds United’s stadium is set to become one of the largest football grounds in the UK, as capacity will now be increased to hold 53,000 fans.
Other work will take place to improve viewer comfort, sightlines, and amenities in and around the stadium.
The West, North, and South stands will all see work
The West and North stands will be expanded to reach the 53,000-seat capacity, while the South stand will see targeted alterations, including improved seating and sightlines, improvements to concourses, new amenity spaces and hospitality facilities, and the creation of a more inclusive environment.
Enabling works will commence are to commence immediately, and major works will begin following the conclusion of the current season. The stadium will still be open while work continues, so Leeds will be able to play home matches.
Leeds United chairman, Paraag Marathe, 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.”
Leeds United chief business officer, Morrie Eisenberg, 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.”
Birmingham City is also looking to redesign their stadium
In November, plans were released for a new stadium for Birmingham City FC in Bordesley Green, East Birmingham.
The new design features capacity for 62,000 fans, as well as a retractable roof and moveable pitch for other events such as music concerts. The design also features a unique feature or 12 chimney towers, built from reclaimed bricks and serving as a passive ventilations strategy as well as reducing noise pollution.
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner(also co-chief executive of Knighthead Capital), said: “The stadium draws upon the proud heritage of the West Midlands – a heritage of industry, ingenuity and growth. I believe those same qualities can create a new era of success on and off the field and prosperity for local communities that have been starved of opportunities for too long.”
Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio (the developer of the design), added: “Too often, stadiums feel like spaceships that could have landed anywhere, sterilising the surrounding area.
“Ours grows from Birmingham itself — from its brickworks, its history of a thousand trades, and the craft at the core of its culture. Our goal is to capture the spirit of the city and play it back to Birmingham.”
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