Approval given for £39M Headingley stadium upgrade

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club has been given the go-ahead for its ambitious plans to transform Headingley Cricket Ground into one of the finest cricket venues in the world.

The Headingley masterplan will see Yorkshire County Cricket Club work in partnership with Leeds Rugby, Leeds City Council and DLA Architecture, to prepare for the phased redevelopment of the ground over the next 20 years.

The scheme includes the rebuilding of the North/South Stand with a new steel-framed structure. Adjoining the rugby ground, this will become the centre-piece of the project.

Once the work is complete the capacity of the cricket ground will increase from 17,000 to 20,000.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club Chairman, Colin Graves, said: “This is the most ambitious project the Club and the venue will have undertaken since the ground was first established 125 years ago.

“Our ambitions are clear. We want to create a stadium that is amongst the finest in the world and enable Yorkshire to continue to stage major international fixtures over the long-term. It is vital that we don’t lose sight of our objectives. As other venues around the country continue to invest in their facilities, we cannot afford to stand still and expect that Headingley will always host international cricket.

“The phased approach allows room for flexibility and for the stadium complex to evolve over time. Providing the best facilities for our stakeholders, including members, corporate patrons and our playing staff is my driving force.

“These are all very exciting proposals and we will be working with local residents and all parties involved in these plans, as, together, we seek to make them a reality.

“I will be working tirelessly, alongside our partners, to ensure this project becomes a reality and my lasting legacy as Chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club.”