Plans for the new £4.6m South Stand at Headingley Carnegie Stadium have been approved by Leeds City Council.

 

The existing stand was built in 1932, and over recent years capacity has reduced from 8,000 to 6,000 due to safety reasons. The plans submitted by DLA are to demolish the existing stand, and replace it with a single tiered building on the South side of the ground with an increased capacity of 7,400. The stand will also include refreshment facilities, television gantry and new changing rooms for pre-match entertainment, teams and referees as well as new facilities for the groundsmen. DLA have designed the stadium alongside the acoustic specialists at Leeds Rugby to retain the famous atmosphere created by the fanatical Leeds Rhino's fans.

 

Councillor Neil Taggart (Panel Chairman) has praised the proposals, calling the scheme "handsome and aesthetically pleasing"

 

Paul Caddick, chairman of Leeds Rugby, said: "We are delighted by Leeds City Council's decision to approve the redevelopment of the South Stand in line with our development proposal, which is the next step in the total redevelopment of Headingley Carnegie Stadium. A number of issues were raised as part of the application process and we will now meet with our design team to address these concerns where possible. The Board of Leeds Rugby will then meet to discuss the implementation, timing and funding for the development proposals."

 

Construction is expected to start on site on the 2nd September with works being complete on the 20th July 2012.