Leeds United chief Paraag Marathe has reaffirmed his vow to try to not comprise current seating during Elland Road expansion works, but admits this will mean the plans will take longer to complete.
The main bulk of construction – which will see capacity reach around 53,000 – is being targeted around international breaks and summer pauses. The first on-site works could start as early as September, should planning permission be granted.
Leeds City Council is set to inspect detailed plans in a meeting on Thursday, having already given the green light to the first steps of proposals, including the sale of land it owns around Elland Road to Leeds United FC.
The club have released illustrations of what the finished development could look like and will be holding an exhibition and public consultations this month. A club newsletter is set to soon be distributed to local residents too.
And Marathe says more details will be released in the near future. “I think we’re going to make some announcements over time that you’ll see,” he told reporters on Sunday. “It’s going to take a little bit of time, because we’re trying to do it without compromising seats for matches.
“So we are going to be focused on summers and international breaks and things like that. There’ll be some minimal disruption in different places and lounges and things like that, where we have to put in structural pillars, but for the most part it’ll be with minimal seat reduction or anything during matches.”
Marathe was in the UK this week to celebrate promotion and was present at Home Park in Plymouth, placing the Championship trophy on its plinth for Ethan Ampadu to lift.
The 49ers Enterprises chief has given Daniel Farke his backing, ending the speculation around his future. Marathe said he loved every second of the celebration scenes both in Plymouth and in Leeds.
“I just want to say how proud I am of the club, for the players, for Daniel and the coaches, just all the staff. It’s just such an incredible achievement,” he said.
“What is it, 100 points has been achieved, seven times in the history of the league? And our highest point total ever coming off last season, when we were the first club with 90 points not to be promoted.
“But it’s just so special for me. The best thing is that we uplifted a whole community, of this whole city, of this whole area. You could just feel it.
“I wish I could have seen it this morning, but at least I was there this afternoon when I walked outside for coffee, and already the city is buzzing. It’s just such a special feeling. I’m just trying to enjoy every moment of it that I can.”
