Yeah, I don't disagree that the Rugby ground looks fine but I would like the Cricket ground to have something with more architectural merit. It's a mess at the moment.

And that's 500 less in the South Stand. I'm not sure about the ground as a whole.

I don't know any of the figures but comparing the attendances for the Cricket and Rugby sides of the ground it makes a lot more sense to re-develop the rugby side as that is where the majority of the income comes from.

Apart from the occasional international test match does the cricket ground ever get near capacity?

When it's eventually built it will be built as a double sided stand but it all depends on YCC's funds because they're skint at the moment, I can't see it being built for 5 years. And I think that that stand is of far greater significance to the Cricket Ground than the Rugby, it will be the difference between Yorkshire securing themselves as a Test venue for the next 25 years. Otherwise it might be 'bye bye Yorkshire'.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/8/16/1281977585672/Leeds-rugby-Headingley-001.jpg


Leeds Rhinos unveil £10m Headingley plan

An artist's impression of the planned new Headingley Carnegie

Leeds Rhinos have today unveiled ambitious £10 million proposals to transform their Headingley Carnegie home ground over the coming years.

Chief Executive Gary Hetherington insists he will not jeopardise the clubs future to fund the development. Instead the club has taken the decision to reveal the projected costs and set up memberships schemes so supporters can see directly how they can help transform one of the most iconic stadiums in world rugby.

Plans include a new scoreboard video screen; A new South Stand with bars and catering facilities; A new pitch and drainage system and improved facilities in the North Stand.

The full story can also be found here. I covered part of the proposals here back in March.

http://forums.rlfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=474192

Consultation tonight 6.30pm

http://www.leedscarnegie.com/news/15176.php

Stadium development presentation
31 October 2010, 10:27 pmBy Sian Jones
How Headingley Carnegie Stadium could look with your help
© Leeds RugbyWith potential Headingley Carnegie Stadium development plans on the horizon, we would like to invite all Leeds Carnegie season ticket holders the opportunity to attend a stadium development meeting.

Share
This will take place on Sunday 5th December at 12.30pm prior to the Aviva Premiership home league match when Leeds Carnegie take on Northampton Saints - kick off 3pm and we can bring you up-to-date with details and provide an opportunity for you to feedback your thoughts.
The event is for all Leeds Carnegie fans and you must book in for the session by either by e-mailing your name, customer number (if applicable) and phone number to customerfocus@leedsrugby.com or contact the ticket sales office on 0871 423 1315 (calls are charged at 10pence per minute) and registering your details.

Please note that if you are a non season ticket holder and you wish to attend this event then you will need to have purchased a match ticket for the game to access the stadium.

Details of where the meeting will be held will be communicated to you prior to match day.

We will look forward to seeing you there!

May have been discussed before, but isn't it possible for the cricket ground to host concerts like Old Trafford?

Never been to a concert at Old Trafford so I don't know what the set-up there is like but Headingley has a similar capacity to Old Trafford, so i don't see why it can't work.

If it could happen, how would it work? Like Parking, Shuttle buses, etc.

Headingley is a fair bit more residential that OT

And it's not like anybody makes any attempt to attract the big summer outdoor touring shows to Leeds anyway

I think Roundhay, Temple Newsam and Elland Road are much better suited to that anyway.

I think Roundhay, Temple Newsam and Elland Road are much better suited to that anyway.

I can recommend Roundhay Park at the moment. Lots of autumnal colours.

I would like to see more concerts being staged at Roundhay. That's what i was getting at, theres never any 'big' concerts hosted in Leeds any more, so i thought why not Headingley. But yeah i suppose with it being so residential it won't really work.

The council or whoever need to do more to attract these big touring artists to come play Leeds. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, Green Day or someone similar at Roundhay Park would be amazing.

I can recommend Roundhay Park at the moment. Lots of autumnal colours.

As can I, took this at Roundhay yesterday...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/5142690601_f4f13af3d5.jpg

As can I, took this at Roundhay yesterday...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/5142690601_f4f13af3d5.jpg

Might bob up with the camera at the wknd, need some yellow tree shots for my spare room i'm decorating... :)

I would like to see more concerts being staged at Roundhay. That's what i was getting at, theres never any 'big' concerts hosted in Leeds any more, so i thought why not Headingley. But yeah i suppose with it being so residential it won't really work.

The council or whoever need to do more to attract these big touring artists to come play Leeds. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, Green Day or someone similar at Roundhay Park would be amazing.

Ditto I totally agree. Whilst it is nice to finally see an arena under construction in Leeds the city does certainly miss out on larger stadium performing acts as such tours are surely a good way of getting a city noticed and Leeds certainly benefitted back in the 1980s and 1990s from tours playing at Roundhay Park by the likes of U2, Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones, Madonna etc (slightly surprised though that Queen never played Roundhay Park during the 1980s although they played Elland Road back in 1982). For example (whilst not completely to my taste) surely Roundhay Park or Elland Road could have hosted a couple of nights of next years Take That Progress Tour (which appears to be bypassing Yorkshire completely)? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_Live_2011

It seems a shame that Leeds seems to lose out so much because of a load of nimbys in Roundhay and around Elland Road which presumably scuppers concerts such as this from taking place considering since I believe U2 performed in Roundhay Park in 1997 the only music events were the Love Parade in 2000 and the Robbie Williams concerts in 2006 whilst Elland Road had to wait between 1991 for a Happy Mondays concert and 2008 for a concert by the Kaiser Chiefs.

I can recommend Roundhay Park at the moment. Lots of autumnal colours.

Indeed, aye. Here's a little video (admittedly from across the Pennines) to really bring home the virtues of such settings. :lol:

9GD_-noLFhw

^^

Bonkers. :nuts:

Ditto I totally agree. Whilst it is nice to finally see an arena under construction in Leeds the city does certainly miss out on larger stadium performing acts as such tours are surely a good way of getting a city noticed and Leeds certainly benefitted back in the 1980s and 1990s from tours playing at Roundhay Park by the likes of U2, Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones, Madonna etc (slightly surprised though that Queen never played Roundhay Park during the 1980s although they played Elland Road back in 1982). For example (whilst not completely to my taste) surely Roundhay Park or Elland Road could have hosted a couple of nights of next years Take That Progress Tour (which appears to be bypassing Yorkshire completely)? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_Live_2011

It seems a shame that Leeds seems to lose out so much because of a load of nimbys in Roundhay and around Elland Road which presumably scuppers concerts such as this from taking place considering since I believe U2 performed in Roundhay Park in 1997 the only music events were the Love Parade in 2000 and the Robbie Williams concerts in 2006 whilst Elland Road had to wait between 1991 for a Happy Mondays concert and 2008 for a concert by the Kaiser Chiefs.

indeed, my parents live on north park ave and I grew up further towards gledhow and the excitement of the Roundhay Park concerts was legendary. My dad took me in at the end of the Stones in the early 1980s on his shoulders for the encore and I remember standing in the back garden listening to MJ and Madonna in the 1980s. The folks went to see Genesis, sitting on Hill 60 with a picnic in the middle of summer listening to Phil C - cashback! My one gig was U2 Popmart in 1997 I think it was.

Headingley cricket ground concert bid moves step closer to reality

Headingley cricket ground today moved a step closer to staging music concerts after councillors approved Yorkshire County Cricket Club's application for a licence - despite objections from nearby residents.
Members of the licensing sub-committee approved an application for a licence to sell alcohol and hold music events and concerts at the cricket ground, but limited the number of events to three a year and, amongst a raft of conditions, limited the hours events could run from noon to 9pm. Music would be limited to 65 decibels.
Yorkshire CCC had applied for a music and alcohol licence for seven days a week from 2pm-11pm.

Full article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2011/jan/04/headingley-cricket-ground-concert-licence


Apologies if this is the wrong thread. Interesting article though. It would be fanastic news for the city to once again host huge open air concerts (even if it's only 3 a year) to rival those of Old Trafford which is an amazing venue for live music! However, the 9pm cut off time could be a sticking point for many bands. Why does Roundhay Park no longer host any major music events (I seem to remember this being discussed recently)?

Suppose it's a residential area... Though thought they already held Opera/Classical music nights there anyway?... What acts play at other cricket grounds?

On another note, they were meant to be installing a video screen on the rugby side - anyone know if it's there?

A maximum of 65 decibels and attendance of 14,999 doesn't sound like much does it (how loud were say concerts at Roundhay Park or at the Leeds festival in comparison and of course both can hold many, many more people) presumably as stated in the article to the likes of Neil Diamond and Elton John as opposed to any rock acts. Still it would be an idea id support as a way of getting more concerts into Leeds for musicians prefering an outdoors venue which would not attract a sizable enough crowd to fill Roundhay Park and getting more business into Headingley in the summer.

LeedsLad Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester has played host to a number of concerts over the years. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Trafford_Cricket_Ground#Musical_venue

Yes I expect they'll be targeting classical sort of orchestras etc.

The very-vocal-for-their-size NIMBY community groups of Headingley strike again! Too bad about the 9pm cut off.

A maximum of 65 decibels and attendance of 14,999 doesn't sound like much does it presumably as stated in the article to the likes of Neil Diamond and Elton John as opposed to any rock acts.

It's a real disappointment the application restricts guitar based music, noise levels and hours of events, I had my heart set on seeing the likes of Radiohead and REM at Headingley!

"The capacity of the ground for the events will be 14,999."

Whats the point?

Am i right in saying the stadium has a capacity of roughly 17,000? Granted, they won't be able to use all of the stands because the stage needs to go somewhere. But then how much people would fit on the pitch? With 14,999 people in, the place will be pretty empty.

And when i spoke of concerts, I was hoping to see big bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, U2 etc, play there. Somehow, with it being limited to 14,999, i can't see any of the aforementioned playing.

Basically then, that licence is pretty much worthless... :ohno:

Ouch. Yorkshire County Cricket Club made a pre-tax loss of £2million last year. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/Yorkshire-CCC-lose-2-million.6716085.jp

Yorkshire CCC lose £2 million in 'financial disaster'

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/LEED//TH1_112201138CRICKET%20Pakistan%2010(3).jpg
The Pakistan team celebrates beating Australia during the second test match at Headingley.

Published Date: 11 February 2011
Colin Graves has labelled 2010 as a financial disaster for Yorkshire CCC – after the county revealed a whopping pre-tax loss of £2m in their annual report.
The Tykes chairman says the chief reason for the poor figures was down to the fateful decision to relinquish last year's England versus
Bangladesh Test, which was in their international staging agreement, to host Pakistan's neutral Test with Australia at Headingley in July –
which he admits backfired spectacularly.

The calamitous Test lasted only three full days, with less than 25 per cent of the club's seats sold on each day, and effectively cost Yorkshire £1m.

To compensate for the loss of projected revenue from the neutral Test, Yorkshire did negotiate with the ECB for an upfront cash payment of around £3.4m last November in return for a number of advertising sites around the ground between 2011 and 2019.

That helped settle all of their current financial commitments.

On a financially fraught 2010 and the big deficit, which followed a pre-tax profit of £699,000 in 2009, Graves said: "It's disappointing, number one, and from a financial point of view, disastrous – although not so disastrous that we can't get out of it.

"It was a bad year considering where we thought we would be and it all centred around the Australia versus Pakistan Test match, which hit us to the tune of £1m.

"We believed it was the right decision to go for Australia versus Pakistan on everything you can look at – and it backfired. Just because of lack of support.

"Even if we'd sold out one day of England versus Bangladesh, we'd have been better off."

Graves confirmed Yorkshire have no plans to bid to stage a
neutral Test between India and Pakistan this year.

In fact, Yorkshire won't stage a Test of any description, with just one day of international cricket taking place at Headingley, and Graves admits 2011 will be another tough year.

But he feels confident that after a challenging 12 months, the county can looking forward to better times on the financial horizon for the following year, with Headingley staging a glamour Test between England and South Africa in August 2012.

From 2012 onwards, Headingley will stage a full schedule of one England Test match and a one-day international until the end of their current international staging agreement in 2019, which Graves is confident will bring the club back towards sustained profitability.

Graves added: "From my point of view, 2012 looks very, very good. But this year will be testing.

"We've done a lot of things to get in the position to get the best out of where we are.

"We've made a number of redundancies over the past six months and that is coming to an end and there won't be any more redundancies.

"We've cut back as far as we can within the club.

"We've not cut back on any of the playing staff at all and from our point of view, we'll get over this year, but we'll still show a slight loss from a cash point of view."

The Tykes' annual report also revealed a turnover of £5.6m – a drop of £2.8m from the 2009 club- record figure of £8.4m.

International match revenue plummeted massively from the 2009 figure of £3,510,641 – when Headingley staged an Ashes Test – to £1,590,235, while commercial income dropped sharply from £2,232,156 in 2009 to £1,226,871.

Subscription money dropped from £744,579 in 2009 to £564,763 last year, although domestic match income and guarantees rose in 2010 to £443,931 from the 2009 level of £330,728.

Graves revealed that a permanent replacement for ex-chief executive Stewart Regan won't be made until at least January 2012 at the earliest, with the chairman currently undertaking Regan's former duties.

It does certainly seem to be a bit foolhardy retrospectively to go for the Pakistan v Australia test as opposed to England v Bangladesh although presumably Yorkshire CCC thought they would have been seeing big crowds (based on the large population with a Pakistani background which lives in West Yorkshire) which clearly failed to materialise (weren't attendances for that as low as 4,000 out of a 17,500 capacity :ohno:). Certainly such large losses would mean that I cannot see any work taking place soon although Headingley hosting tests each year from 2012 to 2019 should hopefully get Yorkshire CCC back into financial strengh to potentially proceed with further works to the cricket ground in the future with matches such as a England v South Africa test in 2012 although I believe Headingley won't be bidding to host a test in the 2013 Ashes. Presumably this is why Headingley are looking at hosting concerts as a way of getting money into their coffers. I guess more could also be done to improve attendances at county matches in particular Twenty 20 games.

Will Headingley be hosting an England One Day International match against either India or Sri Lanka this year and was there no way they could have bidded to host a test against either?

Slight chance of change of bidding process in Yorkshire's favour?: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/9395238.stm

Chester-Le-Street... pfft

Sadly, with the cricket club mired in debt til 2019, and the rugby club investing in replacing it's Southstand at the end of this year, then seems likely the shared main stand won't see any redevelopment this decade.

A real shame, as it's quite an eyesore and has so much potential for both clubs (if redeveloped). The missing piece of the jigsaw for both sides of the stadium, once the new South Stand has been built.

Plans for new rugby South Stand to go on display at ground as of tomorrow: http://www.therhinos.co.uk/news/16335.php

So did anyone go/plan on going with a camera?...

Disappointing, underwhelming and unambitious... :bash: http://docs.leedsrugby.com/Public_Consultation.pdf

It does appear rather modest! It also looks as though it's going to be physically separate from the West Stand due to the provision of an access road - at the moment lots of people leave the South Stand via the West to exit via the cricket gates, but it looks as though they'll be forced to go via St. Michael's Lane...

Disappointing, underwhelming and unambitious... :bash: http://docs.leedsrugby.com/Public_Consultation.pdf

It's an upgrade but I agree the south stand requires something befitting its importance. Something special, in other words.

Although the design is underwhelming, I think it's sensible that the club have gone for practical over unique. Unique usually costs more. The south stand is falling apart and needs replacing ASAP.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimage/nlep_06_04_11_p07stand1_1_3257467!image/4032787293.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_595/4032787293.jpg

Certainly it is rather dissapointing that this development would only see room for 6,500 (thus giving Headingley a total capacity of 21,000) as opposed to the originally planned 7,400 (giving a 21,900 total capacity) an increase of 500 over the present and some 1,500 lower than the former capacity for the present South Stand of 8,000 (22,500 total capacity) before being reduced to 6,000 (20,500 total capacity) for safety reasons. Surely an additional 900 wouldn't cause that much of a difference and I would have thought the cost to benefit of this new stand would be better if the potential maximum capacity were to be greater as there is of course room with that car park where room for a sizable expansion is available. I guess you could get something potentially architecturally distinctive if the stand backed onto or followed St Michael's Lane with something of an angular appearance which would surely be better than the out of the box generic design proposed for the South Stand.

Also what will be happening with the Supporters Club building? Whilst works to the North Stand would only take place with approval from Yorkshire CCC (which would undoubtedly be some years into the future) is there nothing planned for the open terraced West Stand in the years to come?

Anyway here is the YEP's report on the new stand. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos/leeds_headingley_ground_proposals_revealed_1_3257468

Boring, bland and far too small. Very disappointing.

I'd urge everyone to tell the club how they feel (email addy at bottom):
http://www.therhinos.co.uk/fanzone/southstand.php

The current structure has served the club for 80 years. The new stand will be there for a long time and it's hugely disappointing that the design is so unambitious given the greater constraints on developing the north and west side of the ground in future. This really was the main opportunity to add a bit of extra capacity to the ground which might not be needed much now but could be in five or ten years' time. Instead the capacity has been cut from what it was a couple of years back.

All this talk of reduced capacity, reduced height and being set back further from the road suggests that the thing is being built to the order of local residents rather than the wider sport-loving public of the city. Or perhaps it's more of a funding issue and the club has the misfortune of having a rebuild forced on them in the middle of a recession? Either way, an opportunity missed.

If you read the public consultation document, Leeds Rugby wanted a 7,400-capacity, 19.5 metre high terrace, "However the club on advice from Leeds City Council accept that this proposal would be too large in height and mass terms, particularly to St Michaels Lane."

I'd urge everyone to tell the club how they feel (email addy at bottom):
http://www.therhinos.co.uk/fanzone/southstand.php

My e-mail:

Dear Leeds Rugby,

I would like to provide some feedback on the proposals for a replacement South Stand.

I think that the designs are bland, too small and a missed opportunity.

I think that the club should strongly push back on the Council’s recommendation to reduce the height of the stand. Whilst local residents may use ‘right to light’ as an objection, it was them who chose to buy a house next to a sports stadium and I would argue strongly that when they made the decision to do this they accepted the risk of such developments taking place. A small group of people should not be allowed to dictate to the club, which is an asset to the city as a whole.

Even if it is not possible to increase the capacity there is no excuse for creating something that is entirely lacking in architectural merit. I do not know of anyone who has seen these proposals that doesn’t find the plans underwhelming and disappointing in the extreme.

The current South Stand is iconic and whilst it may now be deemed as not fit for purpose, it is still better than the new proposal in my opinion. I cannot envisage how it will generate the affection that the current stand enjoys.

Leeds’s premier Rugby venue deserves better.

Please feel free to share this feedback with Leeds City Council.

Thanks and regards,
IL

At least half the houses on St Michael's Lane must be occupied by students anyway, so the actual number of objecting owner/occupiers must be tiny.

Nicely worded Immunda Leodis, the point was well put.

At least half the houses on St Michael's Lane must be occupied by students anyway, so the actual number of objecting owner/occupiers must be tiny.

At least half the houses on St Michael's Lane must be occupied by students anyway, so the actual number of objecting owner/occupiers must be tiny.

the Headingley residents group is a rather active and vocal oponent to plans it doesn't like; it is largely due to them that the bbq area on woodhouse moor didn't go ahead. The same goes for the former Lucky's takeaway, which i think had a lot of trouble as it wanted a license to open later. Its now become something else.

Interesting that this states 7,400 not 6,500?

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/rugby_stand_plans_go_back_on_city_s_agenda_1_3579978

Rugby stand plans go back on city’s agenda
Friday 15 July 2011 06:00

Revised plans to replace the South Stand at Headingley Carnegie Stadium in Leeds will be discussed by some of the city’s councillors next week.

The latest proposal would see the existing terrace demolished and replaced with a stand that would hold 7,400 standing spectators.

Members of Leeds City Council’s plans panel west will hear details of the latest proposals – which have increased the capacity by 900 since they were discussed in a public consultation – when the committee meets next Thursday.

The plans were unveiled earlier this year by Leeds Rugby – which consists of league team Leeds Rhinos and union team Leeds Carnegie.

Planners have received 19 objection letters – covering concerns ranging from the capacity increase to 7,400, problems with traffic on match days, the height of the proposed building and fears it will be “over-dominant”.

However, a report to councillors notes that the current South Stand is in a poor state of repair and has, for safety reasons, had its capacity currently reduced to 6,000.

“The role of the rugby club is recognised as being an important asset to the city. Both in its status as being internationally recognised due to the success of the team and hosting international fixtures that are viewed worldwide but also in relation to the positive work that the club does,” the report adds.

Planning committee members will be able to discuss the proposals next week, but a decision will not be made until later.

Great news that the club has come back with slightly more amitious plans. The planning doc is here:
http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=58021

10.6 The design submitted with the application is in line with that considered at preapplication
stage. The maximum height of the structure is reduced from that seen
previously but capacity remains the same. As has been previously stated the
submitted scheme is larger than that taken to public consultation following a number
of representations which felt that the consultation scheme was not big or ambitious
enough.

Well done us!

Well done the club for actually listening to the fans.

You don't get that with Leeds United.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/7889/headingleystadium.jpg

Good news to see capacity of the new stand increased to 7,400 from a previously proposed 6,500 (meaning a total new capacity for Headingley Rugby Stadium of 21,900 as opposed to a previously proposed 21,000). Still is there no room for a further expansion perhaps over the previous maximum 8,000 capacity of the existing South Stand at Headingley Stadium?

Are there any renders showing the latest proposal for this stand? Still I hope the NIMBY's living in Headingley don't scupper this latest proposal.

NIMBY'S are all pretty much a bunch of twats, who have nothing better to do than moan and groan about any thing than any one proposes, why buy a house next to headingley stadium and then moan and groan about stadium redevelopment.

We as a country need to tell these people to go and take a long walk of a short pier, grow up and stop acting like a sad pointless children........

Docs... https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LLFTQ9JB0FZ00

NIMBY'S are all pretty much a bunch of twats, who have nothing better to do than moan and groan about any thing than any one proposes, why buy a house next to headingley stadium and then moan and groan about stadium redevelopment.

We as a country need to tell these people to go and take a long walk of a short pier, grow up and stop acting like a sad pointless children........

Indeed. Like people who buy a house next to a pub, and then moan about noise. Or buy a house near an airport, and then moan about planes.

Docs... https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LLFTQ9JB0FZ00

They (the actual plans/drawings) are all dated 26 May 2011 - haven't they now been superseded by the new proposals?

The pavilion's on the long list for BD's carbuncle cup this year...http://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/carbuncle-cup-2011-%E2%80%94-view-all-the-nominated-projects/5021290.article
Bit unfair as I rather like it!

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/go_ahead_urged_for_7_400_place_stand_at_headingley_stadium_1_3681811
Go-ahead urged for 7,400-place stand at Headingley stadium
Monday 15 August 2011 12:36

PLANNING chiefs are recommending that councillors approve a scheme to build a new stand for rugby fans in Leeds.

The South Stand at the Headingley Carnegie stadium is home to the most fanatical Leeds Rhinos fans but the ground also hosts Leeds Carnegie matches in rugby union, as well as international rugby league matches.

Its condition has deteriorated in recent years and its capacity reduced for safety reasons from 8,000 to 6,000.

Under the proposals, the stand will be demolished and replaced with a single tiered building similar in design to the new Carnegie Stand on the east side of the ground with an increased capacity of 7,400. However the total ground capacity will only rise from 20,000 to 20,850 due to the loss of 550 spectator places on the old Western Terrace to make way for the new structure.

The new stand will hold a TV gantry under its roof and have additional facilities within a new concourse with refreshment areas under the stand, changing areas for pre-match entertainers, referee changing rooms and facilities for the groundsman.

It also involves the building of a new turnstile from St Michael’s Lane. The existing 100 car parking spaces will be retained.

A report by Leeds City Council’s planning chiefs, due to be considered at a meeting on Thursday describes the existing South Stand, which has had significant funds spent on maintenance, as being in a “poor state of repair”.

“It is recognised the existing stand is in need of being replaced to afford spectators, fans and the ground with facilities that modern sporting stadiums require,” said the report. “In addition the design and appearance of the existing stand is rather poor, particularly when it is viewed next to the new east stand.”

It said the rugby club was an important asset to the city “both in its status as being internationally recognised due to the success of the team and hosting international fixtures that are viewed worldwide but also in relation to the positive community work that the club does in relation to sports, education, cultural and social development enterprises throughout the city”.

The scheme was drawn up in March last year and a public consultation was held with local people and fans in April when the capacity was lower at 6,500 and the stand stood at a lower height than the latest proposal, which means it will be higher than the existing stand.

The report said 32 objections had so far been received from householders, residents associations and the South Stand Alliance.

These raise a series of concerns over the increased capacity and height of the building, loss of sunlight to neighbouring properties, increased noise and its appearance including lack of landscaping.

In his objection, Coun Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) raised concerns about the size of the building, which is considerably higher than the existing stadium, and described the proposed landscaping as “completely inadequate”.

He also wanted a noise and nuisance impact assessment amid concerns the new structure would increase match day noise.

He added: “I should add that the stadium is guilty of bad faith in presenting a stand with a lower capacity at the consultation events but submitting an application for a larger structure. This does nothing to build trust between the rugby club and the local community.”

The report also said highways officers had objected to the proposals as no travel plans or plan for handling the increased crowds had been drawn up.

Planning officials said the proposal was “acceptable in principle” and in line with policies to improve the stadium and the image of the city internationally.

They said the design of the stand would reduce the “over-bearing” impact on neighbouring residents and enhance the appearance of the building.

PLANNING chiefs are recommending that councillors approve a scheme to build a new stand for rugby fans in Leeds.

Good, certainly an expansion for Headingley Stadium is needed to help support Leeds's rugby league and union teams.

However the total ground capacity will only rise from 20,000 to 20,850 due to the loss of 550 spectator places on the old Western Terrace to make way for the new structure.

Is a small part of the Western Terrace going to be demolished to allow for the construction of the new South Stand or is this reduced capacity a bid to appease the nimbies of Headingley. It would be a shame to see capacity reduced unless there was a clear practical or safety reason why this would be going ahead.

The report said 32 objections had so far been received from householders, residents associations and the South Stand Alliance.

These raise a series of concerns over the increased capacity and height of the building, loss of sunlight to neighbouring properties, increased noise and its appearance including lack of landscaping.

In his objection, Coun Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) raised concerns about the size of the building, which is considerably higher than the existing stadium, and described the proposed landscaping as “completely inadequate”.

He also wanted a noise and nuisance impact assessment amid concerns the new structure would increase match day noise.

He added: “I should add that the stadium is guilty of bad faith in presenting a stand with a lower capacity at the consultation events but submitting an application for a larger structure. This does nothing to build trust between the rugby club and the local community.”

The report also said highways officers had objected to the proposals as no travel plans or plan for handling the increased crowds had been drawn up.

Planning officials said the proposal was “acceptable in principle” and in line with policies to improve the stadium and the image of the city internationally.

They said the design of the stand would reduce the “over-bearing” impact on neighbouring residents and enhance the appearance of the building.

I just cannot understand these objections. If you don't want a bigger rugby stadium next to where you live (albiet actually with a smaller capacity compared with what it once had) then you shouldn't have bought a house next to Headingley Stadium (considering it has been there since 1890). Also yet another reason of course not to vote for the LibDems with Cllr Martin Hamilton objecting to the scheme.

Do these people not care about how much money the cricket and rugby bring to Headingley considering (in addition to students of course) they must do a lot to support the restaurants, pubs, shops etc there are there.

On another note are there any detailed renders of the current proposals for the new south stand?

Very interesting document which shows the club considered quite a few options: http://plandocs.leeds.gov.uk/WAM/doc/BackGround%20Papers-437817.pdf?extension=.pdf&id=437817&location=VOLUME3&contentType=application/octet-stream&pageCount=1
Sadly the t*ssers who moved in next door to an ageing and well used stadium then were suprised when redevelopment was proposed ruined it by whinging and we ended up with one of the lesser options...
Interestingly Leeds Met Carnegie looked like they were going to part fund a 10k capacity stand at one stage (but then pulled the funding)...

planning permission for the south stand granted today.

http://therhinos.co.uk/news/17267.php

planning permission for the south stand granted today.

http://therhinos.co.uk/news/17267.php

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/leeds_headingley_carnegie_staium_plan_gets_go_ahead_1_3700397
Leeds: Headingley Carnegie staium plan gets go ahead

David Marsh
Monday 22 August 2011 10:59

Plans for a new South Stand at Headingley Carnegie Stadium – the latest step in proposals to completely redevelop the rugby ground – have got the go-ahead.

The existing stand, which was built in 1932, will be demolished and replaced by a larger stand with a 7,400 capacity.

It will also include refreshment facilities, first aid room, television gantry and new changing rooms for pre-match entertainment, teams and referees.

But the scheme ran into opposition when it was presented to the council’s west plans panel with opposition being lined up against it. In the end councillors voted 6-4 to grant planning permission for the new stand.

Coun Tom Leadley (Morley Borough Independents, Morley North) said in his opinion the proposed stand was too tall.

He said: “I can’t see why it has to be 50 per cent higher than the current stand. There must be an engineering solution to achieving a lower stand.”

Coun Jamie Matthews (Lib Dem, Headingley) also went on the attack and blasted it “a monstrosity” that was to be built in the middle of a residential area.

He said: “Local residents understand something needs to be done and there needs to be redevelopment but this is too tall and too big.”

Coun Neil Taggart (Lab, Bramley and Stanningley), panel chairman, argued that the ageing South Stand was an embarrassment to a ground that attracted people from across the country.

He said its proposed replacement was “more handsome and aesthetically pleasing”.

He also stressed that steps needed to be taken to reduce the impact of pre-match music and public address system announcements on nearby residents.

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.”

Great news (although certainly close run with a decision only 6-4 in favour). Would it be wise to assume that construction will start when the Super League season finishes around September / October. Also another out of touch WibDem councillor with Jamie Matthews claiming the new stand will be a monstrosity. :bash:

Any images of this scheme?

Yes^^

A very disappointing Google Sketch-up image of some generic terrace. So disappointing that i'm not even gonna bother finding it. Just picture a generic identikit ikea-esque stand that every new stadium has these days.

Any images of this scheme?

^^

I'm sure this will have already been posted in this forum, but here's a link from Leeds Rhinos/Carnegie page on this subject......

http://www.leedscarnegie.co.uk/corporate/16360.php

yep......

^^

I'm sure this will have already been posted in this forum, but here's a link from Leeds Rhinos/Carnegie page on this subject......

http://www.leedscarnegie.co.uk/corporate/16360.php

yep......

Lets see if this works......

http://www.leedscarnegie.co.uk/images/news/revised_south_stand_plan_rdax_450x242.jpg

Just had this email through from Leeds Rugby -


South Stand Development Put On Hold

The redevelopment of Headingley Carnegie’s famous South Stand has been deferred and subject to a review, it will now be open for Leeds Carnegie matches this season and for Leeds Rhinos’ 2012 Super League season.

Paul Caddick, Chairman of Leeds CF&A Ltd said, “We have worked hard with cooperation from Leeds City Council to achieve planning permission but after reviewing our business, the cost of borrowing and repaying the debt and the risk to the club involved, the board have decided to look for a funding model in line with all other super league clubs. It has been a big decision for our Board and we remain determined to complete the redevelopment of the Stadium as soon as possible. With this in mind we have met with Yorkshire CCC and Leeds City Council and have agreed to form a working group to explore how the final phases of development for rugby and cricket at Headingley Carnegie can be funded and delivered in the future.”

Chief Executive, Gary Hetherington said, “It was an excellent meeting, attended also by Robin Smith of Yorkshire CCC. We confirmed that Headingley Carnegie will stage a full programme of International Cricket fixtures and we are bidding to host matches in both the 2013 RL and 2015 RU World Cups. Yorkshire CCC and Leeds Rugby also reiterated our commitment to delivering Community projects and working in Partnership with LCC and its agencies.”

Slighty O/T, but why do Leeds Rugby Union play in green now?

They seem to have been changing their kit colours every year for some time now. Surely their kit should be the same as the Rhinos'. A kit for the whole of 'Leeds Rugby' so to speak.

It's (I think) the original colours of the "Headingley" rugby union club (Leeds were formed by a merger of Roundhay & Headingley(?))... I think it's a one season thing going back to their traditional colours... Normally the kit is broadly White/Blue/Yellow...

Just had this email through from Leeds Rugby -

Seems a bit of a shame not to start works on the new South Stand straight away considering permission was only just granted. Would starting works next year see this new stand completed in time for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and I thought the existing South Stand only had a finite lifespan, hence the need for a replacement?

Slighty O/T, but why do Leeds Rugby Union play in green now?

They seem to have been changing their kit colours every year for some time now. Surely their kit should be the same as the Rhinos'. A kit for the whole of 'Leeds Rugby' so to speak.

I personally think it would be better if Leeds Carnegie are rebranded as Leeds Rhinos RUFC imo as a reverse of Harlequins RUFC who also have a RL team. What colours did Roundhay RUFC play in?

Does Leeds really benefit from having a Yawnion team at all?

Strange question to ask. If we could only have one I'd rather have a union team over a league team. I don't really care much for either, but a top flight union team is going to get more attention nationally and internationally than a league team ever would.

Does Leeds really benefit from having a Yawnion team at all?

Yes. On a purely economic note, having around 18 home games a year against teams from the rest of England and beyond brings money into the city. A friend of mine is a Harlequins fan - the last time they played Leeds she came up as a group of ten or so, who all stayed in the Headingley Lodge on the Saturday night and went out on the piss in Leeds.

Having a Championship team probably isn't going to swell the city's coffers as much though. :lol:

:ohno:Does Leeds really benefit from having a Yawnion team at all?

No. Leeds is one of the largest English cities with 1 rugby league team to support - at least equivalent to Leicester Tigers in Union. Leeds is 100% League and used to have the best ground in the league. Leeds has the loyal fans who have recently sold out 38,000 at Elland Rd. The following clubs used to have smaller grounds than Leeds. Most have doubled their attendances since building new grounds.

Hull FC 25k (KC paid in cash for by the people for the people)
Wigan 25k (DW paid for by Dave Whelan for Dave Whelan)
Huddersfield 25k (Still looks great - too good for Hudds?)
St Helens (18k being built - looks like the Emirates)
Catalans 15k (beautiful new ground being built)
Warrington, (13k being expanded to 15k)
Quims (15k - good ground 3 fans!)
Halifax (14k built and ready to go)
Widnes (12k great little stadium)
Salford (12k - 15k being built)
Hull KR (12k being built piecemeal)


And on the West Yorkshire naughty step....:ohno:

Leeds (Empty cricket ground built. Packed rugby ground 1 stand built reducing capacity! Leeds should have a 30k ground like Leicester)
Castleford (12k planning consent but no money)
Bradford (nowt)
Wakefield (nowt)

Yes. On a purely economic note, having around 18 home games a year against teams from the rest of England and beyond brings money into the city. A friend of mine is a Harlequins fan - the last time they played Leeds she came up as a group of ten or so, who all stayed in the Headingley Lodge on the Saturday night and went out on the piss in Leeds.

Having a Championship probably isn't going to swell the city's coffers as much though. :lol:

Sport isn't about money. It's about the fans who support their club for 5 generations. Leeds Rhinos fans deserve facilities. The Union team is a luxury and has proved a distraction from Leeds club's ambition to be the biggest and greatest rugby team in the UK.

Having a rugby union team puts us on the national and international scale. Rugby league is so limited in its reach- popular in parts of the north of England but it's not going to take Leeds up a league. Leeds is lucky to have a strong league and union team.

I personally think it would be better if Leeds Carnegie are rebranded as Leeds Rhinos RUFC imo as a reverse of Harlequins RUFC who also have a RL team.

I believe Harlequins are to revert to being London Broncos next season.

I believe Harlequins are to revert to being London Broncos next season.

They're going to change their name, but it's very unlikely to be to "Broncos" as (a) that name was originally brought about due to the involvement of the Brisbane Broncos, and (b) the Denver Broncos' use of the nickname would cause legal problems. Seriously.

the union team does nothing for the city. Theres bigger attendences at amature league games!

the union team does nothing for the city. Theres bigger attendences at amature league games!

I would imagine a fair bit of support at Leeds Carnegie games would presumably come from students who would follow other rugby union clubs. Are there any quotes for average attendances for Carnegie games compared with Rhinos games and matches for other rugby league teams in Leeds such as Hunslet or Bramley (I never hear much about those two clubs despite both having quite long histories). Also there are in effect two other rugby union teams in Leeds with Morley and Otley.

Still with the Rugby Union World Cup on at the moment I guess theres going to be a lot of press going on about Union whether you like it or not. Whilst I don't dislike Rugby Union I do prefer Rugby League myself.

CharlieP out of interest which Rugby Union team do you follow? As for Harlequins / London Broncos RLFC rebranding yet again is there anything definate confirming this?

CharlieP out of interest which Rugby Union team do you follow?

I've been a Bath fan for the last 20 years, so I've been to Headingley as an away fan four or five times, but I've probably been more times as a supportive neutral with my mates - twice when Leeds claimed promotion to the Premiership, to their Heineken Cup clash against Cardiff (when Jonah Lomu was rumoured to be playing but didn't) and several Premiership games.

All three "Leeds" teams were relegated last season, so Otley are in National 2 North (Level 4) and Morley in National 3 North (Level 5) and don't really compete for crowds with Carnegie. All the other teams in Leeds are at least three levels lower (Yorkshire Two and below), so Carnegie's core support comes from these "junior" clubs, most of whom also support Leeds without any conflict of interest. Leeds Rugby's marketing people actively target this demographic, with cashback offers where clubs can earn money from ticket sales, and at least eight mini/junior teams playing on the pitch at half-time.

It's (I think) the original colours of the "Headingley" rugby union club (Leeds were formed by a merger of Roundhay & Headingley(?))... I think it's a one season thing going back to their traditional colours... Normally the kit is broadly White/Blue/Yellow...

They've been using the Met Uni's colours recently aswell, purple and green. Which is understandable really. I quite like the current colours they've got, but it should really be blue and amber that they use.


I personally think it would be better if Leeds Carnegie are rebranded as Leeds Rhinos RUFC imo as a reverse of Harlequins RUFC who also have a RL team. What colours did Roundhay RUFC play in?

I agree.

Oh dear. It won't be until at least 2017 when Headingley Cricket Ground hosts the Ashes again. :ohno: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/15020210.stm

Certainly a massive shame considering Headingley has had a long history hosting games in the Ashes particularly with Ian Botham in 1981.

According to the BBC Sport website England matches at Headingley will be as follows:

2012
West Indies - One Day International
South Africa - Test

2013
New Zealand - Test
Australia - One Day International

2014
Sri Lanka - Test
India - One Day International

2015
New Zealand - Test
Australia - One Day International

2016
Pakistan - One Day International
Sri Lanka - Test

At least there will be two England matches each year between 2012 and 2016 which would surely help the coffers of Yorkshire Cricket Club although it would have been nice not to wait for so long without an Australia match.

Is it the same for other test match grounds and not just Headingley to wait so long

Very good article on the future of the stadium here: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/cricket/headingley_dare_not_afford_to_be_left_behind_in_rat_race_1_3791979

Also can anyone tell me exactly why Yorkshire didn't even bid? I've heard them claim it is too much of a risk - but what is the risk? Do you have to pay over money just to bid, with the possibility you won't get an Ashes game or something?

Is it the same for other test match grounds and not just Headingley to wait so long

Except The Lord's, The Oval, and Trent Bridge which have matches in both of the upcoming ashes series.

There are ten matches altogether so every test ground could have one if they spread them around a bit.

Oh dear. It won't be until at least 2017 when Headingley Cricket Ground hosts the Ashes again.

There isn't an Ashes series in 2017. The next time Headingley might host an Ashes Test is 2019.

http://www.ecb.co.uk/news/england/future-england-tours-and-tourists-to-england,277,BP.html

Headingley Rugby stadium will host the upcoming Leeds Rhinos v Manly Sea Eagles World Club Challenge game next February although it could potentially be the last World Club Challenge to be held in the UK for some time with venues in Australia and possibly the UAE instead. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/15835984.stm

I could never understand personally that the World Club Challenge didn't rotate from Australia one year to England the following year personally and no doubt the possibility of games taking place in the UAE could quite likely stay overthere depending on the popularity of games there (would anyone other than ex pats watch such games). Also a pity the Rhinos couldn't have tried for getting the World Club Challenge at the much larger (currently around 34,000 capacity due to ongoing works) Elland Road stadium compared with the smaller (20,000 capacity) Headingley Stadium when you consider the high attendances at the England v Australia game last weekend although I guess slowly decreasing attendances at previous World Club Challenges could have affected things (and could Ken Bates have perhaps wanted too much money for the fixture). Can't understand the idea for potentially hosting a World Club Challenge at the Galphram in Huddersfield as opposed to Leeds though which surely makes little sense although Bradford Bulls did host their World Club Challenges at the McAlpine / Galphram in 2002, 2004 and 2006 as opposed to using the closer to home Odsal or Valley Parade.

The reason Leeds are not playing at Elland Road is because we have the play the match on the weekend of the 17th, 18th or 19th Feb. leeds United have a home game against Doncaster on Saturday 18th meaing that we were unable to use the stadium at all that weekend. The only other venue that we could have possibly used was Huddersfields Galpharm Stadium. The Galpharm only has 24500 capacity, an increase on Headingley of 4500. You'd probably lose more fans staging it over there than you'd gain so it makes sense to play at Headingley.

I have it on good authority had we been playing the match a week later we would have used Elland Road as we have done in our World Club Championship games in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010

Headingley Stadium is to stage a group fixture and quarter final of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with the Shay in Halifax and Galphram in Huddersfield both scheduled to host one group match each. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/castleford-tigers/2013_rugby_league_world_cup_to_be_staged_in_four_countries_1_4009925

* Halifax - The renovated Shay Stadium will host a group match.
* Huddersfield - The Galpharm Stadium, a semi-final venue in 2000, will host a group match.
* Leeds - Headingley will host a group match and a quarter-final while two teams will set up base camps in the city along with a team training venue being utilised.

Good news to see Headingley host more than one fixture of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup although must be bad news for Bradford to host absolutely nothing (didn't they also put in a bid to host matches) at Odsal or Valley Parade and no doubt uncertainty over stadia in Castleford or Wakefield put paid to the idea of fixtures being held at either of those two places?

So with the locations of semi finals and the final yet to be announced could Elland Road perhaps be in with a shout of hosting the semi final alongside say the City of Manchester Stadium, with the final perhaps being hosted at Old Trafford or perhaps Wembley? Slightly surprised though that a group fixture wasn't confirmed for Twickenham Stoop in London and I thought the RFL had wanted the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to host a game? Could that idea have all but died a death since Crusaders were relegated from Super League or could it be an unannounced venue for the final (slightly surprising id have thought)?

Plus it means either they're going to get cracking and have the new South Stand completed quicker than this time in 2 years, or they're going to delay commencing until at least around this time...

Really hope we get a Semi at Elland Road. Plus I hope all you that say Leeds never gets any big events turn out to support the World Cup games hosted here, even if not that into Rugby League...

I'd have thought they'd want the final at Wembley for the 'prestige' it would bring, plus the fact it's London based to spread the coverage. The risk for them is if England don't make the final, then it could be an embarrasing turn out...

Slightly surprised though that a group fixture wasn't confirmed for Twickenham Stoop in London and I thought the RFL had wanted the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to host a game? Could that idea have all but died a death since Crusaders were relegated from Super League or could it be an unannounced venue for the final (slightly surprising id have thought)?

Don't forget that the Millennium Stadium will be in use (probably) every weekend in November for Autumn Internationals, which should rule it out as a venue for the final.