Earlier this evening, local media released news that Leeds United could be on the verge of an exciting new development – Council approval pending.
Under new owner Andrea Radrizzani, the Whites are looking a different entity at the moment with growing changes both on and off the pitch. Alongside many changes on the playing side of things, including a rejuvenated Under-23 set-up, Elland Road has also seen much action thrown its way by the Italian.
Chief among this action is that Radrizzani put the stadium back under the direct ownership of the club for the first time in 13 years, Elland Road finally coming back to the fans who simply call it ‘Church’.
Yet that could pale into insignificance should this story (tweet – below) develop any further.
Leeds City Council says it is to discuss a report recommending that it begins talks with Leeds United about a new training ground. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) October 10, 2017
United’s current training facilities are out at their Thorp Arch academy set-up in Wetherby, but the above proposals are to bring it closer to Elland Road. In another tweet, Phil Hay says that “[the] Council’s executive board will meet next Wednesday to discuss the proposals,” adding that if approved then formal talks would be opened between themselves and the club.
Key Points from the Leeds United proposal:
- Relocate the Training Ground and Academy from Thorp Arch to the land previously occupied by the former Matthew Murray High school with the intention of linking Elland Road with the Training Ground/Academy as one site
- Create Leeds United Foundation facilities on the Fullerton Road car park, with the potential provision to be determined. The proposed ‘Community Sports Village’ as it is being defined would be used by the Academy for week night training (to meet FA and Premier League regulations) but would become the hub of the Leeds United Foundation delivering sporting and educational programmes
- Should approval from the Council be forthcoming a lease agreement will be entered into by the Council and Leeds United on a 99 year basis
- The proposed ‘Matthew Murray training Ground and Community Sports Village would be simultaneously delivered by 2020
- The overall facilities would be delivered to Category 1 status in order to meet the Premier League requirements
Leeds United fan reaction to potential new development news
Love it!!! An owners investing for the future and creating assets! Bye bye wasted rent!
— Ryan Newby (@RyanRyannewby) October 10, 2017
Love this initiative #lufc – this is bringing the soul back to the club @LUFC
— Andy Newsome (@Northernnewsy) October 10, 2017
Phwoar got to admire Radz’s ambition…sustained top 8 Premier league?!
— Charles Toher (@charles_toher) October 10, 2017
Do you think with a brand new facility Leeds will aim to get CAT-1 status?
— Sam Jackson (@samjackson23) October 10, 2017
Might be a bit of a romantic nobhead, but young players walking from the training ground, past the trust mural to the stadium…
— RiotBadger™ 🚴🏻 (@riotbadger) October 10, 2017
What’s really great is that these are not just empty words, but an actual plan that they will action
— AW (@AWwhite1) October 10, 2017