Leeds chief confirms big step in ambitious development plans around Elland Road
Angus Kinnear confirmed in Tuesday night’s programme notes, that Leeds City Council have granted planning permission for the Parklife scheme on Fullerton Park.
That will see the first stage in the ambitious expansion plans for Leeds get started.
Leeds could get started on the new sports hub as soon as the start of next season and it will provide world-grade facilities for local residents. It is thought it will take 12 months to complete.
The new sports hub will provide facilities including indoor and outdoor 3G pitches and Leeds hope that bringing the Academy back to the heart of Leeds will create a better pathway for inner-city talent.
It’s been reported that the club won’t generate any money from the new sports hub, with Kinnear saying previously to The Athletic, “There are two aspects to this. One is to provide outstanding grassroots facilities for the community around Elland Road.
“The other is to make sure we’re giving the best chance and the best pathway to inner-city talent, something which isn’t happening at the moment.
“We think it’s essential for our presence to be here, near the city centre.”
The next stage of development for Leeds is dependent on promotion to the Premier League, which took another step closer with a draw with Luton on Tuesday night.
Once back in the Premier League, Kinnear has talked about expanding Elland Road to a 50,000-seater capacity – a mouth-watering prospect for Leeds fans.
One thing you can guarantee, all the seats will be sold out by Leeds fans each week.
Back to the sports hub, though, and it’s even more evidence of the holistic and community-minded approach to Leeds that shows how good an owner Andrea Radrizzani is.
We can’t remember a time when every aspect of the club was being run so well for the benefit of so many.
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