Leeds United Football Club has announced plans to improve its Elland Road Stadium capacity by more than 15,000 seats.
A UK-based project team has been appointed to the stadium scheme which includes: stadium-specialist architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold and management team at RISE.
The plans will see a modernised stadium, which has been the home to Leeds United since 1919, as well as an improved stadium capacity from 37,645 to c.53,000 seats.
In June, the ownership of the stadium was transferred back to Leeds United, which was sold in 2004 during a period of financial difficulty.
In July 2023, California-based 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group LLC assumed full control of Leeds United Football Club Limited and Elland Road Limited.
The increased capacity will also come with improved general admission and hospitality facilities.
As Leeds is a rare one-club city, demand for tickets consistently outpaces the currently available supply.
The 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.
49ers Enterprises have brought in specialist acoustic consultants to ensure Elland Road’s unique atmosphere is retained.
A local transport consultant has also been commissioned to help plan access routes and manage traffic flows during construction.
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.
“We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”
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.
“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.
“We’ve had some very positive initial meetings with their team and look forward to working with them on this important vision, to ensure this project moves forward and unlocks significant benefits to the city and its communities.”
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