Leeds City Council has opened a public consultation on updated planning guidance aimed at transforming the area surrounding Elland Road football stadium, in a move that could unlock a multi-billion pound boost to the city’s economy.
The proposals include the potential development of up to 2,000 new homes, alongside major leisure and commercial opportunities. The consultation focuses on the ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ — a key document that will shape the future regeneration of approximately 30 acres of land around the stadium, much of which is owned by the council. If adopted, the refreshed guidance could pave the way for a vibrant new neighbourhood, with a mix of residential developments, enhanced public spaces, and community facilities that are fully integrated with the surrounding area.
The draft planning document also highlights a range of potential uses for the site, including major leisure developments such as a community sports arena, hotel accommodation, and modern workspaces. These proposals align with the global trend of leveraging sports and football stadiums as catalysts for regeneration and long-term investment. There is also scope for educational facilities focused on sport, health, and wellbeing.
Plans also include the future relocation of the existing temporary park and ride facility on the site. Subject to demonstrated demand, the development could incorporate one or more multi-storey car parks to support increased activity in the area. The land has long been earmarked for development, with the previous planning guidance adopted in 2007. The updated vision reflects recent shifts in the local landscape, including Leeds United’s proposed stadium expansion, as well as broader economic and citywide growth ambitions.
Deputy Leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Jonathan Pryor said:
“Our proposals for Elland Road represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity of national significance to create a new neighbourhood, carefully integrated within South Leeds, which will deliver new homes, create jobs and provide major leisure opportunities, along with community and educational facilities that will benefit new and existing communities.
“Delivering a new neighbourhood of this size and scale will provide a further boost to our city’s ever-growing economy, accommodating the continuing demand for residential and commercial development across the city, at one of our most strategically significant gateway sites which has been earmarked for development for many years.
“With recent momentum such as the stadium expansion progressing, and many changes in Leeds since we first adopted planning guidance over 17 years ago, it is right that we take the opportunity to refresh the vision for this area. We strongly encourage residents, businesses and any interested party to participate in the consultation to help shape the updated proposals.”
The site is currently used as a temporary park and ride facility and for matchday parking, a short-term solution while long-term redevelopment plans are being considered. The new proposals suggest relocating the park and ride and, subject to demonstrated demand, allowing for the construction of one or more multi-storey car parks. These would support both the local community and visitors on matchdays and throughout the week.
The full development of the site is expected to take up to 20 years from commencement to completion. Any changes to parking infrastructure would be introduced in phases, with careful planning to ensure the local road network continues to operate efficiently during matchdays and that surrounding neighbourhoods are not negatively affected. As part of the consultation process, Leeds City Council will soon be contacting local residents to gather feedback on parking issues in the area. This will help determine whether new parking restrictions might be needed to address community concerns.
In addition to the phased changes to car parking, the proposals set out plans to improve connectivity between Elland Road and the city centre. Enhancements to walking and cycling infrastructure aim to encourage more people to choose active, sustainable modes of transport by making these routes safer, easier, and more appealing.
Leeds City Council has made the full set of proposals available online at www.ellandroadneighbourhood.commonplace.is as part of a public consultation. Residents, businesses, and stakeholders are invited to explore the plans and share their feedback. A series of community events will also take place, offering an opportunity for people to view the proposals in person and speak directly with council officers about the future of the Elland Road area.