Leeds United today welcomes the news that Leeds City Council have granted planning approval for the proposed ‘Parklife’ scheme at Fullerton Park.

Based on land opposite Elland Road, Fullerton Park will become home to a new community sports hub, delivered in partnership with the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council.

Cllr James Lewis, deputy leader and Leeds City Council executive board member for resources, said: “We are pleased that this planning application has now been approved.

"The Parklife initiative which we have developed with the Football Foundation and Leeds United provides us with the wonderful opportunity to introduce a range of fantastic and modern facilities at Fullerton Park, which can be used by communities in and around South Leeds.

"Just some of the facilities which are proposed include four 3G artificial grass pitches, a community cafe with meeting rooms, fitness gym and studio and changing room which is very exciting.

“We look forward to working closely with local communities and both Leeds United and the Football Foundation on the next stage of the project.”

The project will provide great benefits for people in the local area, along with local football teams and the Leeds United Foundation and Academy.

Speaking about the news, Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “We are pleased the project at Fullerton Park has been granted planning permission.

“The development in partnership with Leeds City Council and the Football Foundation will see a world-class community sports hub being delivered for the people of Beeston, Holbeck and Cottingley.

“This will be the first vital step in bringing the Academy back to the heart of Leeds, creating a talent development pathway for inner-city youth, building the foundations for a better Leeds United in the long term.”