The UK government has cited Leeds United’s planned redevelopment of Elland Road as part of their £10bn worth of investment into local communities.
The Premier League outfit are looking to bump their stadium capacity from 36,000 to around 53,000, with significant changes planned to both the West and North stands.
As things stand, the club are awaiting full planning permission for their West Stand development project. They are also looking to hear back about their outline planning permission for the work on the North Stand.
During the Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham, Leeds United’s plans were mentioned, with the project set to create just under a thousand jobs.
Government gush over Leeds United’s plans
The government hailed the redevelopment project in an official statement from the Department for Business and Trade.
It said: “Nearly a thousand jobs are to be created in a major boost to communities across the UK after over £10bn in investments were announced at today’s first Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham.
“Today’s Summit represents this government’s ambitious approach to economic growth, bringing together domestic and international investment, and spotlighting the power of public and private sector collaboration to benefit all regions of the country as we drive investment into our communities.”
The statement later added: “Leeds United Football Club is planning to make a further investment of more than £200m in the first phase of construction of a redeveloped Elland Road stadium.
“This will represent a huge private-sector commitment to Leeds, supporting jobs, growth and the long-term future of the club and its community.
“The club is working closely with the Council, Mayor and all stakeholders on planning and light rail, to deliver this transformative investment on schedule for Leeds, for Yorkshire and for the future of Elland Road.”
What is the next step for the Elland Road redevelopment?
During a recent City Plans Panel, there was one significant issue that came up during a discussion over Leeds United's redevelopment.
Travel and traffic was underlined as a clear area of concern, with one councillor saying the entire project could rest on whether a solution is found.
David Blackburn, Farnley and Wortley Green Party councillor, told the meeting: “But in saying that, the devil is going to be in the detail of highways. I think it stands or falls on that.”
Leeds are hoping to get a decision in favour of their application at some point this November.
FGG says: Leeds making serious waves
With the city of Leeds enjoying a tremendous transformation over recent years, the time is undoubtedly right for Elland Road to enter the 21st century. As a result of such a high-profile redevelopment project, Leeds United can certainly expect the government to make a lot of noise about their involvement. With so many eyeballs on the upcoming upgrades, the pressure is on to deliver.