'Game-changer' — Major Elland Road expansion update given as Leeds United chief speaks out — Leeds Live 11/4/25

Leeds City Council and Leeds United's chief operating officer have both released statement ahead of the meeting

Leeds City Council will brief its councillors on plans for Elland Road's expansion to be part of a wider regeneration project before being asked to approve the start of legal agreements at a meeting later this month.

Land around the stadium is owned by the council and agreements need to be in place between it and the club before work can begin. The proposed vision for a rejuvenation of the Elland Road area includes potential new transport links and the “transformation” of local amenities.

At a meeting on April 23, councillors will assess the plans including the proposed expansion to the stadium. Though the planning application references a potential capacity of 56,500, Leeds Live understands the club expects the final number to be around 53,000 amid the anticipation that planning factors will see the top-end range reduced.

The council will also be asked to approve a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with Leeds United’s development partner Lowy Family Group [LFG]. This is an agreement which is formal but not legally binding that usually lays out outline framework terms of a proposal.

LFG chief Peter Lowy is an investor in 49ers Enterprises and is on the board at Leeds United. An initial consultation period between LFG and the council regarding 30 acres of land is being proposed.

Morrie Eisenberg - the club’s chief operating officer - outlined that plans would be shared with supporters "imminently" and said the agreements with Leeds City Council would be “another step towards our ambition to expand and refresh a century-old stadium, while retaining the unique atmosphere and spirit of Elland Road.”

Below are the full statements from Leeds City Council, leader James Lewis, Leeds COO Eisenberg and LFG chief Lowy.

Leeds City Council statement

“Senior councillors are to be briefed on a major regeneration vision which could see Leeds United’s iconic Elland Road home become one of the country’s largest football stadiums.

“At a meeting of Leeds City Council’s executive board, members will be updated on a package of ambitious proposals that would transform a key part of south Leeds.

“These include an imminent planning application from Leeds United to increase their famous ground’s capacity to up to 56,500, a move that, if approved, would see it join the ranks of the nation’s elite sporting venues.

“Land immediately surrounding the stadium is owned by Leeds City Council, meaning agreements will need to be in place between the council and the club before any expansion can begin.

“A report to the executive board details the vast potential of the club’s upcoming application in the context of the wider Elland Road area, comprising around 30 acres of council-owned land which could be transformed and regenerated, with billions of pounds of investment then being unlocked.

“With a potential Mass Rapid Transit link for south Leeds, the report outlines a unique opportunity for Elland Road to become a year-round destination, potentially giving a huge boost to the local economy while supporting the council’s broader inclusive growth ambitions.

“As well as the stadium redevelopment, long term plans for the wider south Leeds area include the potential of British Library North at Temple Works, the Holbeck Sports Hub and Heart of Holbeck, which will include the renewal of the local high street, transformation of a local community centre and the delivery of improvements to traditional terraced homes.

“These projects sit alongside existing economic hubs at the White Rose Shopping Centre and White Rose Park.

“At the upcoming meeting, members will be asked to note the huge potential of the Elland Road regeneration project and to approve the start of legal agreements to dispose of council land to Leeds United Football Club, which would be needed for stadium enhancement.

“The executive board will also be asked to approve that the council enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Leeds United’s development partner Lowy Family Group.

“Members will be asked to consider an initial period of collaboration with LFG on the wider regeneration potential and strategy for 30 acres of council owned land around the stadium.

“LFG is an investor in the owners of LUFC, 49ers enterprises, and Peter Lowy, one of the principals of LFG, is a board member of the club.

“Members are also being asked to approve steps to refresh the council’s vision for the future regeneration of land adjacent to an expanded stadium, and to prepare for a future public consultation on the proposals, which will enable people in the area to have their say.”

Morrie Eisenberg, Leeds United COO

“Elland Road holds a significant place in the hearts of Leeds United fans and the city as a whole. This agreement with Leeds City Council marks another step towards our ambition to expand and refresh a century-old stadium, while retaining the unique atmosphere and spirit of Elland Road.

“Our commitment to the long-term success of the club is illustrated in our plans to invest in, modernise and re-vision the stadium - improving the facilities and the ability to welcome thousands more supporters through its doors. We will be sharing our plans with supporters and the local community imminently and look forward to hearing their thoughts.”

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council

“Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of the city, and the club deserves a stadium befitting of its special status and incredible fans.

“Naturally we’re keen to support this however we can, and to work closely with the club to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve their ambitions and build a bigger, brighter future for the club, their supporters and sport in the city.

“From a wider perspective, the regeneration of the Elland Road area also represents one of the city’s most exciting development opportunities for a generation, which would revitalise a huge area of Leeds and potentially bring hundreds of millions of pounds into our local economy.

“Local residents will be fully consulted throughout the planning process and we’re keen to ensure their voices are heard and that they get the chance to inform the project at each stage.

“We want to do all that we can to maximise this incredible opportunity and put everything we can in place, including our MoU with the club’s development partner LFG, to facilitate what could represent a genuine game changer for Leeds.”

Peter Lowy of Lowy Family Group

"We welcome the formation of this strategic relationship with Leeds City Council to explore opportunities for the regeneration of this vital part of the city. We’re looking forward to working together with Leeds City Council to regenerate south Leeds, improving the lives of people who live here and driving forward our ambitions for Elland Road.”