Significant funding in place for latest Leeds United project alongside Elland Road expansion – Plans here
The next stage of Elland Road’s revamp already has significant funding at Leeds United.
In early January, plans to redevelop Leeds‘ home were approved by a Leeds City Council panel, with capacity set to increase by more than 15,000.
If their proposal comes to fruition, something that could be scuppered by a Premier League relegation and a prolonged stay out of the top-flight, Elland Road will jump up from 37,645 seats to around 53,000.
Leeds said that this expansion will allow Daniel Farke‘s club to host games in major international tournaments, while generating around £29million annually for the region’s economy.
And according to the Daily Mail, Leeds want to recreate something akin to Manhattan’s High Line – an elevated park and rail trail – from the city centre to south Leeds and Elland Road on the Holbeck Viaduct.
Leeds plan Elland Road revamp with ‘High Line’ walkway
The report states that Leeds want to finally provide a link between Elland Road and the city centre, with plans progressing on a project launched to recreate a walkway on a Leeds railway line that has been defunct since 1987.
The goal is reportedly to build a “sky park”, where significant funding is already in place. Moreover, the proposal has been backed by the Whites, Leeds City Council and Network Rail.
A public consultation has allegedly been paid for, with a formal planning application likely to follow.
The Mail adds that the vision is to resemble something like Wembley Way on matchdays for thousands of fans to walk down.
This would also provide a much-needed link on matchdays for fans, many of whom rely on public transport or a busy dual carriageway.
This would reportedly cost £152m and would be funded by the state, local government and donors, and is likely to be inspired by Leeds’ American owners, the 49ers Enterprises.
Leeds take next step in resurgence
Leeds have long held plans to expand the size of Elland Road, but for many years, the can was kicked down the road.
Now, they have real momentum as they try to stay in the Premier League for as long as possible. Incidentally, a great way to bring in increased revenue is via a larger stadium.
And with Leeds having 26,000 fans on the season ticket waitlist, the demand is there to increase their ground’s capacity. But to reach that goal, maintaining their top-flight status is a must under Farke.
They are currently six points clear of the relegation zone and sit 15th in the table with 12 games to go.
Stadium expansion works are scheduled to start in the summer and last up to five years, but that could take a hit if they go down in May.
Leeds appear to be on the up, and projects like this, which could be fully completed in 2030, can only be a good thing for the Yorkshire outfit.
For even more Leeds United news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.