Headingley South Stand delayed
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that the South Stand redevelopment at Headingley has been delayed.
Applications for planning permission and funding have held up the work, which was due to start in January 2017.
The stand will now be open for the whole of the 2017 season, and the club will work wiith fans who want to transfer their memberships back into the South Stand for the season.
A club statement reads: “The boards of both clubs are committed to continue to work together with the support of Leeds City Council to deliver this scheme which, once complete, will underpin Test Match Cricket at Headingley and upgrade the rugby side of the stadium.
“The delays have been caused by complex planning matters relating to the early release of two sites owned by Leeds Rhinos that are currently put forward by the Council for development in its Site Allocations Process. These sites underpin the financial support to be provided to the project by both Clubs, other public bodies and Leeds City Council itself.”
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington added: “We are deeply disappointed that we have been unable thus far to deliver the project on time.
“The funding package for the whole stadium development involves investment from both ourselves and Yorkshire CCC, and support from both Leeds City Council and other public bodies.
“The sale of historical land assets completes the funding of the scheme leaving the clubs in a stable long term financial position.
“Naturally, a project of this magnitude has unique challenges and unfortunately we have not been able to conclude some of those to allow us to begin work on the South Stand.
“We appreciate the support from the council to date but we recognise the distinction and integrity of the planning process.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused to our members in particular and our customer experience team will be touch with each individual member to review their options for next season.
“Season memberships are now on general sale for the South Stand. We are desperately disappointed to be making this announcement but remain hopeful that the scheme will go ahead as planned in the near future.”