Leeds United have provided a positive update regarding the plans to upgrade Elland Road, which should serve as both a relief and a bit of Christmas stocking fillers for fans.
Following their fantastic 4-1 win over Crystal Palace last week, The Whites have delivered even more good news, with the application to the City Council to expand their home stadium said to be making progress.
Announcing the latest developments in a press release on Tuesday, 23 December, Leeds have now revealed more information about the project.
While full planning permission is still yet to be granted - though the general consensus seems to be one of confidence - matchgoers now have more clarification on what the renovations will mean for them.
šļø #LUFC is pleased to share further information regarding the planning application submitted to Leeds City Council
Sharing more details in an official statement, the club wrote: "The application included a detailed plan for the West Stand, along with an outline for the North Stand for the evolution of Elland Road, taking the overall capacity to approximately 53,000."
They also explain how the plans take into account not only greater general admission numbers but demands for hospitality facilities as well, with approximately 26k currently on the waiting list for a season ticket.
It goes on to read: "Public consultations held prior to the submission of the planning application with supporters and the local community, which were overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals.
"In total, 98% of respondents supported the clubās overall proposals to enhance Elland Road Stadium, 97% of respondents supported an increase in capacity, 98% of respondents supported the design plans, and 99% of respondents supported the economic benefits that would be delivered locally.
Not only will the fan base be glad to learn more about what the expansion will entail, but that the proposals are still very much in motion, as the latest update prior to this cast significant doubt over the timeline.
Thankfully, the club has fresh info in this department too.
"After extensive discussions with Leeds City Council Highways Department, Leeds United are pleased to have received support for the planning application", the statement continues.
"The club can today announce one of the most significant Section 106 agreements, which will fund highway improvements around Elland Road and the city of Leeds.
Also promising a 'sustainable and dynamic travel plan', upgrades will also be made to matchday public transport services and parking.
Perhaps the biggest relief, however, is that those who currently sit in the West Stand will remain in place, with assurances that the upgraded South Stand will also be kept entirely for home fans, maximising atmosphere during games.
Although further consultation is likely to take place as a better idea of commencement and completion dates becomes clearer, it's nevertheless looking like an exciting new chapter for Elland Road and Leeds United.
Leeds City Council is asking people for their views about transport options and public space in the city centre.
Got some thoughts and feelings about how you'd like Leeds city centre to operate? Well now's your time to speak up.
Because people are being invited to give their feedback on current issues and improvements they would like to see around St. Peterās Street, York Street, Eastgate, Duke Street, Kirkgate, Crown Point Road, Marsh Lane and East Street.
This area of Leeds is vital for those travelling in and out of the city, with many integral and busy bus routes passing through here.
The area is also home to leisure, cultural and educational facilities, as well as Leeds bus station, and has a large and growing residential population, making it a key area for people using the bus, walking, cycling, and travelling by car.
Between 2014 and 2024, there were 260 road related casualties in the area, including 32 serious casualties and three fatalities.
The council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will use feedback to develop plans for safer ways of travelling for everyone and more welcoming public spaces.
CouncillorĀ Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Councilās executive member for transport and planning, said: āThis is an important step towards a transport system that prioritises efficient public transport and supports all forms of travelling, making it easier and safer for people to get around the city.
āPublic spaces are there to be used and enjoyed by everyone, and it's important that we make these spaces welcoming, accessible and well connected.
"We urge everyone that travels through this area ā whether you walk, cycle, drive, or take the bus - to take part in the consultation and share your views. By sharing your experience of travelling in the area, weāll be able to make the right improvements to make it a safer, more welcoming space for everyone.ā
Have your say before Tuesday 17 November by filling in a short survey, or attending a drop-in event. You can view the drop-in events here.
Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: āWe are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
āA contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
āIt should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
āBy stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leedsās oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.ā
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
Danny Jones -
24th December 2025 
