An ambitious vision to guide the transformation of land around Leeds United’s iconic Elland Road stadium is set to go before senior councillors in Leeds next week.placeholder image
An ambitious vision to guide the transformation of land around Leeds United’s iconic Elland Road stadium is set to go before senior councillors in Leeds next week. | Leeds City Council
An ambitious blueprint to reshape the land around Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium - potentially unlocking billions of pounds of investment and thousand of new homes - will take a major step forward.
The Elland Road planning statement, which sets out principles for what the future may hold for around 30 acres of land surrounding the club’s famous ground, has been hailed as one of the city’s most significant regenerations opportunities in a generation.
Council chiefs will be updated next week on the proposed final draft, which aims to provide design and planning guidance on any future proposals that may be brought forward by landowners and developers.
Members of Leeds City Council’s executive board will hear the site has the potential to deliver a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy and provide around 2,000 new homes for the city as well as creating a series of innovate leisure, education, public realm and commercial opportunities.
The final draft of the planning statement is the first time planning guidance for the area has been refreshed since 2007, and follows a comprehensive public consultation last summer, which gathered the views of the local community and key stakeholders.
Plans will see the west and north stands developed and the overall attendance for Elland Road increased by around 15,000placeholder image
Plans will see the west and north stands developed and the overall attendance for Elland Road increased by around 15,000 | Leeds United
A report to the executive board details some of the uses which could be acceptable for the land around the stadium under the new planning statement.
They include examples such as a new community sports arena, hotel accommodation and workspaces, as well as educational facilities linked to sport, health and wellbeing.
Any future development proposals brought forward would be subject to planning applications from landowners and developers and any specific proposals would be subject to further public consultation.
Coun Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “The land around Elland Road represents one of the most exciting development opportunities the city has seen for a generation, with the vast potential to completely transform and revitalise an area of Leeds steeped in local history and sporting heritage.
“This refreshed planning statement will act as both a guide and a catalyst for future proposals on the site, putting crucial elements in place that can enable the Elland Road area to be a year-round destination whilst also enhancing the existing neighbourhood and putting important new infrastructure in place.
“Combined with the club’s plans for the stadium, we believe this will see Elland Road become a standard bearer for sports and transport-led regeneration that the whole city can be proud of.”
Subject to approval, long-term options for park and ride provision for South Leeds will also be explored on the basis that the current site will be subject to redevelopment at a future point in time.
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