Leeds United have taken a significant step forward in their plans to redevelop Elland Road into a 53,000 capacity stadium. After a lengthy public consultation process, the club state they are happy with a 98% approval rating from their fans who responded to their questionnaire.
What are the Plans for Elland Road?
The redevelopment will increase the stadium's capacity from its current 37,645 seats to approximately 53,000, with potential to reach up to 56,500 according to council documents. The expansion will primarily focus on a complete rebuild of the West Stand, with subsequent upgrades to the North and South Stands. The new facilities will improve general admission areas, hospitality offerings, and bring the stadium up to UEFA Category 4 standards.
Leading the project is KSS Architects, known for work on Anfield and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, supported by engineering and sustainability firm Buro Happold. The club aims to ensure that the design maintains Elland Road’s intense atmosphere while also delivering modern amenities and improved accessibility.
The timeline for the redevelopment is set across multiple phases. Leeds United submitted a pre-application in May 2025, and a formal planning application is expected in summer 2025. Subject to approval, land preparation could begin as early as September 2025. The rebuild of the West Stand is projected to start in May 2026 and be completed by late 2028. The North Stand redevelopment is expected to follow, with full stadium expansion targeted for completion around 2030.
What Have Leeds United Said?
Leeds United chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg gave the following statement to the Leeds United Website: “We are delighted to submit a planning application to Leeds City Council, on schedule with our proposed timeline of the project.
“This is a result of the hard work of everyone involved over the past 18 months, where designs and concepts have been developed to revitalise Elland Road Stadium, whilst preserving the unique history and heritage it holds.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to go to the public exhibition at the Centenary Pavilion and the consultation sessions in the local community, with over 1,800 people visiting in person, and those who completed the questionnaire and provided us with invaluable comments and feedback, which have all been considered.
“As a club, we believe this development will provide great economic benefits to the local community and will be a catalyst for a regeneration of the area.”
A final decision on the application is now expected to be made within approximately 13 weeks.
