Major update for Premier League club’s 129-year-old stadium – £150m upgrade underway | Football | Sport

Leeds United Football Club has undergone a £150 million redevelopment of its historic stadium, which is expected to generate over £29 million a year for the city’s economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting long-term investment.

Leeds United supporters have been able to monitor the ongoing redevelopment of Elland Road with visible progress across multiple areas of the stadium site.

Since returning to the top flight of English football last season, the club has increased the capacity of Elland road to 53,000. This will make the 129-year-old stadium one of the biggest in the nation, increasing it to UEFA category 4 status, which is the highest rating a football venue can receive, which allows it to host major tournament finals.

The plans are not only designed to increase Elland Road’s capacity but also to improve the supporter experience. Fans can expect more comfortable seating, better views of the pitch, and upgraded facilities both inside the stadium and around the surrounding concourses on matchdays.

Meanwhile, the stadium’s historic features, such as its renowned atmosphere and acoustics, will remain. Ellan Road will remain open and operational throughout the expansion project.

The new capacity, which tops the current limit by around 15,000, will make the stadium the 12th largest in the Premier League.

The development will also benefit the city of Leeds, producing around £29 million every year for the city. Bosses of the club say it will create more jobs in the area and result in increased investment.

Following the approval, Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe hailed the decision as a “historic day” for the club.

He said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the expansion of Elland Road Stadium. This is a historic day for Leeds United Football Club. As custodians of this great club, we are committed to its long-term success, and today’s decision supports our ambition to establish Leeds in the Premier League and continue progressing over the years to come. I would like to thank everyone involved in the project to date, for helping us reach this point.”