Leeds United Elland Road expansion latest: Paraag Marathe statement, May 2026 start date, capacity increase — YEP 29/7/25
By Huzaifah Khan
The latest news on Leeds United’s Elland Road expansion
plans as they await their Premier League return.
Elland Road is a ground many fans in the Premier League will
be both excited and apprehensive to visit, with its history known across the
land, and many will know how hard the Leeds United faithful make it for
visiting sides when they’re Marching on Together. The ground can be a cauldron
of noise and Daniel Farke’s side really need it to be a fortress to have any
chance of survival next season.
There are big plans by the ownership structure as 49ers
Enterprises look to grow the club further, with one of the main talking points
being expanding the iconic Elland Road stadium. The current capacity stands at
37,645, but if Leeds want to meet the growing demand for games and increase
their match day revenue, they need to think about increasing that number.
Here is a round-up of the latest news surrounding plans to
develop one of England’s most famous football grounds.
What are Leeds United’s plans to expand Elland Road?
As reported by the YEP in May, Leeds have submitted
pre-application proposals over a possible expansion of Elland Road that would
increase its capacity to 53,000. The proposals include partial demolition and
extension of the West Stand and outline planning permission for alterations to
the North Stand. The proposals state the West Stand is more advanced in its
planning than the North and that when finished it will be similar in scale to
the current East Stand, with a new capacity of 17,750. The North Stand will
increase its capacity from 10,414 to 15,300.
Leeds also indicated they will ‘ensure there is no loss of
seating during the construction and minimal disruption’ and revealed a new fan
zone will follow once the expansion of the West Stand is completed, with a new
North East corner added to increase capacity and wheelchair accessible seating.
The full presentation that was put to the local authorities can be viewed here.
Has a formal planning permission been submitted?
Yes, that was confirmed earlier this month. In the formal
application, the Whites hierarchy confirmed they are looking to ‘sustainably
compete in the Premier League and in European competitions, as well as enabling
the stadium to host national and international football... alongside concerts
and other non-football events’.
Up to eight non-football events could take place at the
new-look Elland Road on an annual basis. Leeds have also said a public
consultation process has indicated the local community are ‘overwhelmingly in
favour’ of the expansion, with 98% of those taking part giving the green light
to the ambitious plans.
Leeds chairman, Paraag Marathe, said: "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."
What have Leeds said about submitting the planning
permission application to expand Elland Road?
Speaking when the formal planning permission application was
submitted, United’s chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg said: “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."
Speaking earlier this year, Deputy leader and executive
member for economy, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Jonathan
Pryor, said: “Our proposals for Elland Road represent a once-in-a-generation
opportunity of national significance to create a new neighbourhood, carefully
integrated within South Leeds, which will deliver new homes, create jobs and
provide major leisure opportunities, along with community and educational
facilities that will benefit new and existing communities.
“Delivering a new neighbourhood of this size and scale will
provide a further boost to our city’s ever-growing economy, accommodating the
continuing demand for residential and commercial development across the city,
at one of our most strategically significant gateway sites which has been
earmarked for development for many years.
“With recent momentum such as the stadium expansion
progressing, and many changes in Leeds since we first adopted planning guidance
over 17 years ago, it is right that we take the opportunity to refresh the
vision for this area. We strongly encourage residents, businesses and any
interested party to participate in the consultation to help shape the updated
proposals.”
When could Leeds United discover if their plans to expand
Elland Road have been approved?
It is believed the club are expecting a decision on their
formal planning permission application in around 12 weeks, which would take
them to the middle of October.
When is the potential completion date for the expansion?
Should Leeds get the green light to expand their famous old
home, they hope the West Stand construction period can begin in May 2026 and be
completed within the final months of 2028. The North Stand opening is planned
for the back end of 2030.