Plans to redevelop Headingley Stadium unveiled

PLANS for the redevelopment of Headingley Stadium have been unveiled that will increase the capacity of the cricket ground ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

It will also see major changes on the rugby side, with the North and South Stands being replaced.

The scheme, which will received some public funding, will be supported by the sale of two sites for housing development located off Weetwood Avenue, Weetwood and off Old Thorpe Lane, Bradford Road, Tingley.

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “We have been working behind the scenes with Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds City Council for many years and now the vision of a completely re-developed Headingley is a reality.

“Headingley has been a wonderful asset of the City for 125 years with a worldwide reputation for sporting drama and excitement and this latest development is another great news story for Leeds and Yorkshire.”

The capacity at the rugby ground will not increase but Mr Hetherington said the proposed facilities would provide “significantly more comfort with much better seating” for supporters.

The plans for the cricket ground include improved facilities, good quality seating and corporate facilities, and better spaces around the stadium to improve integration with the surrounding Headingley neighbourhood.

The redevelopment work will see Leeds Rhinos’ capacity be reduced to 13,000 for part of the 2017 season.