Green light for Leeds United plansPlans for a major new leisure-led development at the Elland Road stadium in Leeds, West Yorkshire, home to Leeds United Football Club (LUFC), have been given the green light by Leeds City Council (LCC).
The council has passed a resolution to award full planning consent for the scheme, which will be linked to the venue's existing East Stand but does not involve increasing the stadium's 40,000-seat capacity.
Designed by London-based architects KSS, the Elland Road scheme includes two new hotels and an arcade extension incorporating retail facilities, a club shop, a restaurant and conference and banqueting space.
The project, which is designed to provide increased commercial opportunities for LUFC, as well as forming part of LCC's wider regeneration of the Elland Road area, also includes a basement nightclub and new offices.
Shaun Harvey, LUFC chief executive, said: "The development is designed to increase non-matchday income streams at Elland Road, which in turn will support and supplement the club's efforts on the pitch. It will play a vital part in the regeneration of the area, and will also create opportunities for local people."
James Budd, KSS associate director, added: "We had to match closely the development aspirations of the club with those of Leeds City Council to achieve planning approval. The building massing constraints negotiated with the council, an architectural design that responded and contributed positively to the existing stadium and phased delivery capability were all key components."
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