Following our return back to the Premier League, arguably the worst kept secret at Leeds United Football Club, is that we will be expanding Elland Road. Exciting times!
I mean, what we have already is one of the most hostile stadiums in England for away sides to visit with the atmosphere that you lot generate, so I can only imagine what it will be like once we expand. Similar to Anfield?!
Our current capacity (pre-expansion), is 37,645 and it is understood that we plan to increase this to around 53,000 which would be a substantial increase.
I think there is no doubt that we could do with an expansion and it is so impressive that what we already have makes it one of the fiercest stadium atmospheres in the country.
Adding to this, even just 16,000 will, I have no doubt make a significant difference; certainly from a noise level perspective and, I reckon we could see some opponents being so intimidated that they start to make costly mistakes.
So everyone can keep up with the developments of this expansion, I’ve created a timeline below, so you are able to follow this chronologically.
Timeline Of Elland Road Expansion
Below, you will be able to logically follow the events surrounding Elland Road’s expansion, from when it was first talked about to the very latest news.
Vision And Early Plans: 2019-2023
Shortly after our promotion to the Premier League in 2020, it is understood that the club started to discuss the possibility of increasing Elland Road’s capacity to over 50,000 with the main attention being focused on the West Stand. Initially, the KSS Design Group was commissioned to create the concept designs.
Strategic Developments And Detailed Discussion: 2023-2024
After the 49ers Enterprises took us over in 2023, it seemed their immediate priority (as well as getting us back into the Premier League), was to accelerate plans to for the expansion. As such, quite a lot of the club’s focus and day-to-day operations has been around this since.
We began a collaboration with Leeds City Council in a bid to accelerate plans and, as a result, a broader regeneration plan was implemented for the immediate area around Elland Road.
As of 2025 a new 30-acre “Elland Road 2025” neighbourhood plan was put into action, that included leisure, new housing and commercial projects.
Formal Planning And Submission: July 2025
Seven months into 2025, Leeds United Football Club submitted the official planning application to Leeds City Council. This was for the approval of work to begin on a development that would take Elland Road’s capacity to 53,000. As such, this proposal included a number of key features.
The main considerations are for a major redevelopment of the West Stand (John Charles Stand), with an expansion to 17,750 seats, from its current capacity of 8,000. The second major development plan is for the North Stand’s capacity to be increased to 15,300 from its current approximate 7,000 capacity.
In addition to this, which I think is something that is probably needed; a proposed enhancement of Elland Road’s hospitality areas including fan zones, while also improving the accessibility.
Furthermore and, something I like is that there has been an environmental focus in our proposal which is understood to include sustainable materials as well as solar integration while also improving transport access.
Also, in September 2025, it was announced that there had been an architectural handover, with the Leeds-based firm, BDP replacing KSS for the remainder of the process.
Council Review Process: Autumn 2025
The planning submission entered the formal review stage in October 2025 with the 30th being planned for the Leeds City Council Plans Panel scheduled to discuss transport and infrastructure concerns.
Notable issues for address, being; traffic management and transport capacity, parking solutions for increased attendance and integrate with wider South Leeds regeneration goals.
Projected Timeline If Approved
One thing that encourages me, is that there is at least, a rough, yet concise timeline in place for the redevelopment and I’ve illustrated this below.
1) Late 2025: Final planning approval expected (within 13 weeks of the proposal being submitted).
2) Early 2026: Enabling works to begin around the West Stand.
3) 2026-2029: Phased re-development construction.
4) 2030: Targeted completion and full 53,000-seat capacity being operational plus further developments.
Financials And Risks Involved
It is understood that the estimated cost of this redevelopment will be between £200 million and £225 million, with this being funded primarily through a combination of private investment and loans.
However, there are some risks – the most obvious being relegation which can have destabilising effects, including an increase in the cost of borrowing. In addition, any delays to planning could see start of construction being pushed back beyond 2026.
