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.
The much-loved North Leeds Food Festival is back for 2026, and its spring return marks a very special anniversary.
We're getting hungry just thinking about it.
Taking place in less than a fortnight, North Leeds Food Fest marks its 10th birthday early next month, with this year's programme set to be one of the biggest yet.
We're lucky enough to see a lot of wonderful things within Roundhay Park every single year, but this might just be one of our absolute favourites.
Not to speak for all of you, but we're sure plenty of West Yorkshire would agree.
Held on the expansive Soldiers' Field section of the stunning outdoor space, more than a full decade on from the very first iteration of the festival, punters can expect free-flowing drinks, music rolling across the park, and LOTS of food to be enjoyed.
Both dog and family-friendly, too, it's already shaping up to be one of the best fun-for-all-ages weekends of the entire year.
Writing in a teaser on socials, the organisers said: "Weāve been working away behind the scenes to bring a fresh look and feel for 2026, so you can expect some surprises for our big birthday."
Consider our interest piqued and our tummies already rumbling...
The same spotlights will be shining on native independents serving up some of the region's best street food, and you can expect some top-notch drinks from Leeds locals, too.
It's pretty hard to believe it's been 10 whole years since this first started and how far it's come. Here's a longer look at how the last edition went down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqSxSj-dQsA&t=2s
Some of the indie enjoyment being teased includes wood-fired pizza, crispy fried chicken, fresh cocktails and a full 'Ale House' pouring from start to finish, as well as "vibrant curries and desserts worth saving space for".
There'll also be artisan markets, a live cookery theatre hosted by Yorkshire chef, consultant and Great British Menu star, Stephanie Moon, lots of live tunes, a whole host of kids' activities, stand-up comedy and tonnes more.
Scheduled for Saturday,Ā 9Ā MayĀ 2026Ā from 10amĀ and wrapping up on the following (10Ā May) around 7pm, the doors will be open from 10am on the first day, so you'd better make the most of the celebrations.
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
Danny Jones
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
In case you haven't heard about the latest hit to the high street. š¢https://t.co/65x9fDNa4c
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Danny Jones -
24th December 2025 
