LEEDS UNITED director Peter Lowy has claimed the club must act quickly if they want to go ahead with a complete redevelopment of Elland Road.
The Whites have called on the government to support plans which could see the capacity of increase from 37,645 to approximately 53,000 seats.
Leeds must act now if they want to redevelop Elland Road, according to club director Peter LowyCredit: Alamy
Lowy also believes the area surrounding the stadium needs regeneratingCredit: Getty
Lowy believes it will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop the ground and the surrounding area.
The club director has also suggested it might never happen if the wheels are not in motion soon.
He said: “Leeds is ready for it. If we don’t get it done this time, it will never happen.
“It does need to be done in a timely manner though because people like myself and the capital that we have won’t sit around for 10 years because we can invest wherever we choose to invest.”
More than £10million has already been spent on the planning application, with more to come for the actual redevelopment.
are believed to have thousands of supporters on a season ticket waiting list, meaning an expansion of the stadium would be hugely beneficial financially.
Project leaders also claim that such a redevelopment will add £30m in gross value to the city of Leeds each year.
Planning permission for the stadium expansion was granted in January, but Lowy believes that regenerating the area surrounding Elland Road is just as important.
He added: “A stadium of the size we’re going to build, and a club of our size, needs to be able to get people there quickly, easily and have them spend time there.
“We need a system where we can move people in and out simply and efficiently. Not only that, but that kind of transportation will open up the whole area of south Leeds.”
It was reported earlier this year that Lowy had discussed raising funds for a planned light rail system running from Leeds station to White Rose – including a stop at Elland Road – with Chancellor .
The Leeds director is now calling on the “political class” to contribute to the stadium and surrounding project, of which between £10m and £20m has already been raised for.
He said: “What we need is the political class to get its act together. There’s a lot of work to be done.
“It will take a number of years. But it’s 2026 and we’re used to long timelines.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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