Elland Road Stadium redevelopment plans will boost its capacity to 53,000

Leeds United Football Club has revealed its next steps in a plan to enhance Elland Road Stadium, home of the Whites since 1919.

Earlier this year, the ownership of the stadium was transferred back to Leeds United, giving the club full control of the ground for the first time since 2004, with plans now in the works for its long-term future.

The existing stadium has a capacity of 37,645 seats, with regeneration set to increase that to around 53,000, with greatly improved general admission and hospitality facilities.

Revitalisation will focus on increasing capacity to the North and West Stands and will be delivered in phases to maintain as much seating as possible during construction.

The club, along with owners 49ers Enterprises, have brought in specialist acoustic consultants to ensure Elland Road’s atmosphere is retained.

A local transport consultant has been commissioned to help plan access routes and manage traffic flows during construction.

The club and the professional team will also be looking closely at matchday travel plans to ensure an improvement in the experience for both residents and supporters arriving at the ground.

Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds United Football Club and president of 49ers Enterprises, said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community.

“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 and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “As council leader and a lifelong Leeds United fan I very much welcome this news for what it could mean for the club, its supporters, the local community and the city.

“Leeds United inspires real passion in fans and Elland Road itself allows them to demonstrate that fervent support to great effect.

“Expanding and enhancing the existing ground will allow many more fans access to games while protecting the unique Elland Road atmosphere.

“This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of South Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance.

“Getting there will be easier with work to improve Leeds Station and the introduction of a White Rose rail station, along with the potential of a proposed mass transit route from the city centre close to the ground.”

Revitalisation of Elland Road Stadium will involve a project team including stadium-specialist architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold and the leadership team at RISE, which has managed the delivery of some of the most successful mixed-use projects in the UK.