Leeds United director makes “unbelievably exciting” claim as Elland Road redevelopment gets underway

Leeds United and their plans to redevelop Elland Road are officially underway, with work beginning almost immediately after the club’s final home match of the season.

Even as supporters celebrated a dramatic late winner, the first phase of a project set to transform the stadium and surrounding area was already in motion.

Elland Road redevelopment gets underway after final home game of 2025/26 season as major vision takes shape

Attention now turns to the West Stand as Leeds begin a phased redevelopment that will eventually push Elland Road’s capacity beyond 50,000.

The long‑term plan starts with upgrades to the John Charles Stand before shifting towards improvements to the Don Revie Stand as part of a wider overhaul of the stadium.

Leeds director Peter Lowy described the beginning of the process as a huge moment for both the club and the city, insisting the stadium itself acts as the foundation for wider regeneration plans.

“The key to the investment in Leeds is the redevelopment of the stadium, because if you can't get the stadium to be more than 36,000 seats, you can't raise the money to build a Premier League football team,” Lowy explained, via the BBC.

He also highlighted the wider ambitions around the project, which stretch beyond football and include major redevelopment of surrounding land and infrastructure.

“It's the most fun I've ever had, and to see the stadium [work] start is unbelievably exciting.”

Transport improvements are expected to play a huge role too, with proposals including a light rail or tram link connecting Leeds city centre, Elland Road and the White Rose area.

West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin also recently revealed that support exists at the highest levels of government. “There was a briefing that came out of Number 10 saying the Prime Minister supports the tram.”

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Supporters have spent years hearing about potential redevelopment, but this is different because work is now actually underway.

Lowy's excitement is understandable, as stadium projects of this scale are never only about adding seats, but more about creating long-term revenue, transforming the surrounding area and building foundations for sustained Premier League success.

For Leeds fans, seeing diggers and construction work after years of discussion probably feels far more exciting than another set of artist impressions.