Leeds United director Peter Lowy believes that it’s ‘now or never’ for the area around Elland Road to be regenerated. The Premier League giants are calling on the government to support the plans, which would see Elland Road jump from a 37,645-seater stadium to approximately 53,000.

Lowy, an Australian billionaire, is pushing for what he believes is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop the stadium and its surrounding area. So much so, Lowy claims the regeneration may never happen if work doesn’t start soon.

Commenting on the project, Lowy said: “Leeds is ready for it. If we don’t get it done this time, it will never happen. It does need to be done in a timely manner though because people like myself and the capital that we have won’t sit around for 10 years because we can invest wherever we choose to invest.”

Leeds are believed to have thousands of fans on a waiting list for season tickets, meaning a stadium expansion could be financially beneficial. More than £10million has already been spent on just the planning application and plans last year, with more to come for the actual redevelopment, as project leaders claim that the expansion will add £30m gross value to Leeds as a city each year.

It was reported earlier this year by BBC Radio Leeds that Lowy had discussed raising funds for a planned light rail system running from Leeds station to White Rose, including a stop at Elland Road, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Leeds is said to be the biggest city in western Europe without any form of light rail (tram, metro or underground).

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Planning permission for the stadium expansion was granted in January, but Lowy believes redeveloping the surrounding area is just as important. He continued: “A stadium of the size we’re going to build, and a club of our size, needs to be able to get people there quickly, easily and have them spend time there,” he said.

“We need a system where we can move people in and out simply and efficiently. Not only that, but that kind of transportation will open up the whole area of south Leeds.”

Lowy claims that between £10-£20m has already been committed to improving the stadium, with the businessman calling on the ‘political class’ to pull their finger out. He remarked: “What we need is the political class to get its act together. There’s a lot of work to be done. It will take a number of years. But it’s 2026 and we’re used to long timelines.”