Plans in for major Leeds projects

Two eagerly anticipated major developments in Leeds, expected to create hundreds of jobs, have moved closer after formal planning applications were submitted.Acting on behalf of Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) and the business behind Leeds Rhinos, listed consultancy WYG has submitted plans seeking permission to demolish the existing North/South Stand and South Stand at the Headingley stadium to make way for replacement structures.The proposed development will provide a new Main Stand with added seating accommodation for YCCC on the northern side and, on the southern side, seating for rugby supporters. It will also provide a new South Stand with standing and seating space for rugby supporters.Alongside the new spectator accommodation, both stands will also provide enhanced corporate facilities including a new banqueting suite; quality facilities for sports broadcasters; permanent concession units accessible by both rugby and cricket supporters; new corporate box holder facilities. Washrooms, changing room facilities, a player’s lounge, gym, medical and physio rooms for the rugby teams are also included.The plans aim to retain the stadium’s position internationally in readiness for the economic and social benefits that hosting the 2019 Cricket World Cup and future Test Match cricket will bring to Leeds and Yorkshire.As well as the jobs already supported by the stadium, the build is expected to create an additional 175 construction positions, with the partners behind the development committed to handing work to local small- and medium-sized businesses.If the redevelopment goes ahead, the rugby ground capacity will fall by 719 to 19,789, but the maximum attendance possible for cricket matches will rise by 2,432 to 19,569.Meanwhile, in relation to a location across Leeds, and about 3.5 miles to the south-east of the city centre, Spawforths, acting on behalf of Extra MSA Group, has submitted an outline planning application proposing the redevelopment of 38 acres of land at junction 45 of the M1 Motorway to provide a motorway service area (MSA) to be known as Leeds Skelton Lake Services.