Elland Road expansion and tram link will maximise potential

Plans to expand Elland Road alongside a potential future tram stop could "maximise the stadium's vast potential" following Leeds United's return to the Premier League, experts have said.

- by Alex Grant

Leeds City Council's executive board unanimously approved plans to increase the capacity of Leeds United's Elland Road stadium to over 53,000, just days after the club secured its return to the top flight of English football.

Transport bosses say the plans, which include a future mass transit link running past the stadium, could unlock billions of pounds of investment and turn Elland Road into a "year-round destination".

The analysis comes as part of the Yorkshire Evening Post's new Promotion Effect series, a package of special reports dedicated to Leeds United's relationship with the city, supporters, residents and businesses as the club celebrates promotion back to the Premier League.

Coun Jonathan Pryor, the council's executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said the proposals represented an opportunity to "maximise the vast potential" of the stadium.