By John Baron & Katherine Turner
Wortley residents and Leeds United fans attended a drop in event to explain what Elland Road expansion proposals will mean for them.
Leeds United have unveiled plans to redevelop the West and North stands to increase the ground’s capacity from 37,645 to around 53,000.
The aim is to improve the match day experience of fans, enticing them to arrive at the ground earlier and leave later.
Over 40 local residents attended the event at The Dragon Hotel. Some reacted positively to the proposals, while others expressed concerns over increased problems with match day parking and traffic congestion.
Leeds United supporter Nick Jones said: “I live locally and I think the proposals are essential for the club – the West Stand in particular is outdated and need replacing. It’s not Premier League standard.
“There’s the park and ride and talk of some sort of shuttle bus for fans, so it’s all good for me and good for the city in general.”
One resident was less than impressed. She said: “I can see the value to Leeds United, but all we’re going to get is more traffic problems. They need to sort out the parking, it’s dangerous round here on match days if you need an ambulance or anything. People just park anywhere.”
Councillor Adrian McCluskey (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) attended the event. He said: “Cllr Haigh and I were approached by Lucinda Yeadon, who is leading the consultation on behalf of Leeds Utd as she was looking for venues to hold a public meeting for local people in Farnley & Wortley. The Dragon Hotel is a regular meeting point for fans.
“I attended as a local councillor and spoke to many who are positive about the proposal, but concerns were expressed about increased parking. Some residents noted that the expansion will not mean more parking in the area as we were already full on match days.
“I have suggested proper involvement from LCC Parking Enforcement and police on match days. We would also like to see Leeds Utd and Leeds City Council develop ways of letting fans get to matches without the need for cars, such as improved walking routes, use of Park and Ride, better buses and, of course, the new proposed trams.
“I also want to see a legacy agreement, where local communities benefit from the expansion. more jobs for local people, and working with Leeds City Council, ensuring the environment and litter is cleaned.”
Leeds United say they will be in producing a travel plan for the stadium, which will include the appointment of a travel co-ordinator, improved parking management, updated travel communications, and encouraging people to use off-street parking in places like park and rides and elsewhere, as well as using public transport.
Also making The Dragon Hotel their home for the evening was Leeds United podcast Don’t go to Bed Just Yet. This is the second time in the last month they have chosen to record their podcast in the West Leeds area, after stepping out to record live in Burley last month.
WLD spoke to TV and radio sports commentator Adam Pope to find out why they chose Wortley for their latest episode. He said: “The Dragon is very close to where Jonny (Buchan fellow podcast presenter) grew up.
“This is an area that is currently clearly affected by the expansion. With this being the second consultation we thought that there might be a few more questions to be answered. This meeting was better attended and it was nice to chat to people on the road, rather than just getting statements from councillors.”
Adam said that after speaking to local residents the majority of feedback was positive.
“The general vibe is that people like the idea as the stadium is going to be bigger and there will be more going on. Parking issues are the main thing that has come out of this and transport into the area and if the mass transit system will be brought in.
“People are sceptical and reserving judgment as the council wants to reduce people travelling by car into the area for events at Elland Road to 50%. People appreciate the fact that there will be events there and that they can have their say.”
Adam explained that people are concerned that there is detailed planning for the West Stand but just outlined planning for the North Stand and that he understands that Leeds United will learn from the development of the West Stand and can put these insights into the North Stand development.
Adam supports the expansion plans and feels that Leeds United have “gone about things the right way” by asking for genuine feedback before they go to the plans panel.
He added: ”There is an attempt to get people’s issues resolved as best as possible, so they can crack on and get this moving as soon as possible.
“I know that Elland Road has to evolve and I wouldn’t want to mislead people that this will make a massive hole in the season ticket waiting list. There will still be a lot of people wanting season tickets. I’m excited for it happening as it will be better for the club going forward.”
Regeneration has been a big topic, with the development hoping to create new jobs and expand the area around the stadium.
Adam has spent a lot of time in the Wortley, Holbeck and Beeston areas covering the club and explained: “If that area gets regenerated it will be so good for Leeds, this area is underserved and deprived this can attract businesses into the area and make it a destination, not just a football ground. It will be astonishing if this happens. It’s mindblowing to think this may be the case.”
Have your say
The main exhibition will be held in the Centenary Pavilion on Lowfields Road, LS11 on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May. There will be a quiet hour from 11am on Thursday for people with disabilities, then general admission from 12-8pm. Friday’s hours will be 2-8pm. The exhibition will include displays and a model of the proposed stadium development; representatives from the design team and the club will be on hand to answer questions.
A questionnaire to gather feedback will be available at all events and on the Leeds United website. You can also email comments to EllandRoadExpansion@leedsunited.com.
The club intends to submit a hybrid planning application later this summer seeking full permission to develop the West stand and outline permission for the North Stand (the Kop end).
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