Leeds United's Elland Road expansion takes step forward as two recommendations get council approval
The first recommendation agreed to negotiate the sale of council-owned land behind the stadium's Don Revie and John Charles stands to the club for the purpose of stadium expansion. United would, in theory, buy the land from the council at an independently valued rate that reflects the wider market.
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The second recommendation agrees to negotiate and enter into a memorandum of understanding (MoU), a non-binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines their shared understanding and intentions to collaborate with Lowy Family Group (LFG), United's development partner.
This agreement between the council and LFG would see them work together on a regeneration strategy for the council-owned land around Elland Road. These parcels of land include the park and ride adjacent to Fullerton Park, Lowfields Road and the car parks on either side of Wesley Street.
The recommendations were approved at a meeting of Leeds City Council's executive board on April 23, moving the process of Elland Road expansion forward.
Council documents indicate 'detailed legal agreements for the sale of land will be completed prior to any works starting on council land in the 2025 calendar year and the detailed legal agreement for the MoU with LFG will be completed later in spring 2025.'
Elland Road will play host to Premier League football next season after Leeds secured their return to the top flight on Monday following Sheffield United's defeat to Burnley.
A promotion parade in Leeds is being planned and public notices have appeared in the city which indicate it will take place on Monday, May 5, two days after the final game of the season against Plymouth Argyle.
While the finer details are still being ironed out, the event will take place whether United finish first or second in the Championship. The club hopes, if it does miss out on the title, this parade can still be a celebration of what was lost in 2020's title win.
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