LEEDS UNITED have been given the green light to expand their iconic Elland Road stadium.
Leeds City Council, who own the land around the stadium, have agreed for the newly promoted Premier League side to increase their home to 56,500.
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Today’s unanimous in-favour vote from the council marks a giant step forward towards the expansion plans coming to fruition.
Elland Road, which currently holds 37,645 seats, will therefore become one of the UK’s biggest football stadiums.
Once complete, Leeds’ cauldron will jump eight places from the 13th largest English ground to leapfrog Manchester City in fifth.
But the Etihad is set to undergo an expansion of their own from 56,000 to 62,000 by January 2026.
The project also includes wider regeneration plans for south Leeds, with the thought that Elland Road can become a year-round destination with significant economic benefits.
It outlined plans for new transport links and businesses, with future public consultation regarding these plans in the pipeline.
But no detailed outline plans or sketches of the proposed development have been publicly released as of the latest updates.
The redevelopment will focus on expanding the North and West Stands, with construction planned in phases to minimise seating disruption.
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Work could potentially start on the West stand within the next year with the second phase of the redevelopment at a later date.
Leeds have hired specialist firms, including architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold, and project management team RISE, to develop the plans.
Specialist acoustic consultants are also involved to preserve the stadium’s unique atmosphere.
While the West Yorkshire club has confirmed that a formal planning application is expected to be submitted in 2025.
Confirming the vote on Wednesday afternoon, a council spokesperson said: “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.”
The Council is currently in discussions with the club over a bus parade for next month.
Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League after two years in the Championship on Easter Monday.
The Whites secured promotion with two games to spare after Sheffield United lost at second-placed Burnley, a result which meant the Clarets also confirmed their return to the top flight.
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