- Leeds announced their plans in September and they have now released images
- 49ers Enterprises consortium, who run the club, are aiming high in top flight
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The first images showing what Elland Road could look like if expansion plans are given the go-ahead have been released by Leeds United.
Proposals to modernise the ground and take its capacity from 37,645 to 56,500 were backed by Leeds City Council’s executive board last week, with the estimated final capacity of the design in progress approximately 53,000. This increase would place Elland Road into the top ten biggest football stadiums in England.
The designs, released by the club on Monday, show the proposed redevelopment of the West and North Stands, along with changes to the South Stand and will provide improved general admission and hospitality facilities,
Leeds currently have 26,000 supporters on the season ticket waiting list.
It will also bring Elland Road in line with UEFA Category 4 status, to be amongst the elite in European stadia.
Owners 49ers Enterprises have employed a project team which includes sports specialist architects KSS, structural engineers Buro Happold, and a management team at RISE.
Leeds unveiled their stadium plans as they bid to increase the Elland Road capacity to 53,000
The club, who recently returned to the Premier League, say they are looking to ‘modernise and improve the stadium’
The Leeds City Council’s Executive Board unanimously agreed the vision last week
Both the West and North stands will be revitalised at the ground, with the South Stand also set to be improved
Leeds gained full ownership of Elland Road last year for the first time since 2004
KSS have recent experience in the field when it comes to enhancing current venues – the firm oversaw the development of the Main Stand and the Anfield Road stand at Anfield taking the capacity of Liverpool’s home ground from approximately 45,000 to 61,276.
Fans and locals will get the opportunity to visit a public exhibition at Elland Road or consultation events as part of ensuring the process is accessible and have been asked by the club to share their views and thoughts.
Paraag Marathe, Leeds chairman and president of 49ers Enterprises, the club’s American owners, said: ‘We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community.
‘The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented. Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.
‘We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.’
