Leeds City Council and Leeds United to open talks regarding potential development of new club training ground

A recommendation has been approved that Leeds City Council enter into formal discussions with Leeds United regarding the potential development of a new club training ground in the city.

This follows a report submitted to the council’s executive board, which proposed that future talks be held between both parties regarding the possibility of the club’s official training facilities for senior and academy players being relocated to the currently vacant former Matthew Murray High School site in south Leeds. Also supported by the executive board was a recommendation that further investigations be undertaken regarding the creation of a new ‘Community Sports Village’ at Elland Road’s Fullerton Park site. If a decision is taken subsequently to move forward with these plans, it is proposed that both facilities would, subject to planning permission, open by 2020.

To read a full copy of the executive board report, please see: http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/documents/s166303/Leeds%20United%20Cover%20Report%20091017.pdf

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said:

“I am pleased that the executive board has agreed that the council and Leeds United can begin talks around a potential new club training ground being developed on the old Matthew Murray High School site in south Leeds.

“We know from when the club was previously in the Premier League the impact that a successful and thriving Leeds United can have not just in spreading the Leeds brand around the world, but also in boosting the local economy. Just as important is the power that the club has in the city through its grassroots community and engagement work to enthuse, inspire and make a difference, especially to the lives of young people. The development of a Community Sports Village at the Fullerton Park site is a sign of a renewed ambition at the club to play a significant role in the life of the city off the pitch as well as on it – and that’s what’s been missing for far too long.

“These moves also tie in with our ambitions to regenerate Beeston and Holbeck, where the council has built high-quality council homes next to Holbeck Moor and brought empty homes back into use on Beeston Hill. This sits aside bringing activity and purpose seven days a week to the wasteland around the stadium through the ice rink, the park and ride and the police headquarters.”

Notes to editors:

The recommendation which was approved by the executive board report is as follows:

‘Agree the principle of the council formally entering into one-to-one negotiations with Leeds United Football Club for the development of new football training facilities at Elland Road and Matthew Murray for use by Leeds United Football Club and Leeds United Foundation.’

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk