LEEDS UNITED are ready to expand Elland Road to a capacity of 53,000 to compete among the best grounds in the Premier League.
Elland Road has been the Yorkshire side’s home since their inception in 1919 and it currently holds 37,890.
But following the decision from Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel, the expansion of the West and North Stands and targeted alterations to the South Stand will rocket them up to 53,000.
The project will reportedly cost upwards of £150 million, but the club expect to rake in an additional £29m a year in revenue once built.
When Elland Road reaches its new capacity, it will have one of the top 10 stadiums in the country.
They’ll move just ahead of Manchester City, Newcastle and Everton who have stadiums with 52,000-odd.
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They will also join their rivals with a UEFA Category 4 stadium, placing it among the elite venues in European football.
They’d have the sixth biggest stadium in the Premier League, but seventh in England with Wembley still number one.
Leeds plan to get construction underway at the end of the season, but will not shut the stadium while work goes on into next season.
Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe believes this is a sign of the ownership’s commitment to pushing Leeds forward
He said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the expansion of Elland Road Stadium.
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“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.”
The club has released the key points of the redevelopment below:
- Capacity increased to up to 53,000, creating one of the largest club stadiums in the country
- Elland Road elevated to UEFA Category 4 status
- Major improvements to fan comfort, sightlines and matchday amenities, inside and outside the stadium
- Reduction of the 26,000-strong Season Ticket Waiting List
- Stadium enhancement enables Leeds to bid to host major international tournaments and events
- Forecast to generate around £29 million a year for the Leeds City Region economy supporting jobs, local businesses and long-term investment
- Enabling works to commence immediately, with major construction following the end of the current season
- Elland Road will remain open and operational throughout the expansion
Although Leeds were on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller against Newcastle last time out, they have generally performed above expectations this season.
Barring a disastrous second half of the season, the club looks like it will remain in the top-tier next term as they sit in 16th place, eight points above West Ham in the final relegation spot.
Much of Leeds’ progress can be attributed to their home form where they have the 12th best record in the league.
