Leeds Partnership Powers Elland Road Transformation Forward

One of the most significant development opportunities in the country has taken another major step forward today, as key partners unite to deliver a multi-billion-pound transformation of the 40-acre site surrounding Elland Road stadium, ensuring real benefits for the city.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has formally joined a strategic partnership alongside Leeds City Council and Leeds United Football Club's development partner, global private investment company The Lowy Family Group, by signing on to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement reflects a shared commitment to support the delivery of a transformational new district around Elland Road, including 2,500 new homes, workspace, retail, world-class sports facilities and new public spaces.

Most significantly, the partners are committed to working together to realise the delivery of a mass transit system for Leeds, better connecting Elland Road with the city centre and wider region. Together, the stadium redevelopment, wider Elland Road masterplan and mass transit system represents one of the UK’s largest and most socially and economically important regeneration opportunities anchored around sport, infrastructure and new urban neighbourhoods.

Set to deliver a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy, the plans for the area around Leeds United’s football ground, as well as the Elland Road stadium expansion have taken big leaps forward over the last twelve months. Leeds United has secured planning permission for the stadium expansion, with early works already underway, and the Council has published updated planning guidance for the area, including the delivery of thousands of new homes and public spaces.The Strategic Outline Case for Mass Transit will be submitted to Government later this year. A positive decision would trigger the start of pre-development work, a major step forward in supporting the long-term transformation of the Elland Road area

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

"We have come a long way in a very short space of time. This time last year, we were talking about concepts; and today, we are seeing real action on the ground, with probably the most shovel-ready sports-led regeneration project in the UK.

"The progress we’ve made so quickly  shows exactly what Leeds can do when we have a clear plan and strong collaboration. At every home game I’m looking forward to watching the regeneration move forward before I go through the turnstiles, as we build a new future for Elland Road that everyone in our city can be proud of.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“Leeds United are staying up, and our ambitions for the city couldn’t be higher. This groundbreaking partnership is about turning momentum into real change – new homes, good jobs, and a year-round destination for tourism and growth.By working together, we’ll transform Elland Road and the surrounding area into the vibrant, well-connected community that local fans and families need and deserve.

Peter Lowy, A principal at Lowy Family Group, and a director at Leeds United Football Club said,

“This partnership reflects a shared ambition to deliver long-term transformation for Leeds. Over the past year, strong collaboration between all partners has helped turn the vision for Elland Road into real momentum. The stadium redevelopment is an important catalyst for the wider regeneration opportunity around Elland Road, creating the potential for new homes, jobs, public spaces and long-term investment in Leeds. Mass transit connectivity is fundamental to unlocking that future potential and supporting the continued growth of both the club and the city.” 

NOTES TO EDITORS

About the Elland Road masterplan

Planning approval was granted earlier this year for the expansion of Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium, increasing capacity from 37,792 to up to 53,000, reflecting the club's Premier League status and securing its future as a venue for major international sporting and cultural events. The stadium expansion is part of ambitious plans to transform the area around Elland Road which, with the right transport infrastructure, would include:

• Up to 2,500 homes including family and affordable housing.
• New workspaces, hotels, shops, cafes, leisure and community facilities.
• Thousands of new jobs and training opportunities for the people of Leeds.

This project would transform an area that has historically suffered from underinvestment into a thriving new neighbourhood. Delivering a Mass Transit solution is essential to unlocking this opportunity.