New funding deal secured for £35m redevelopment of Headingley Carnegie Stadium

Leeds City Council has announced that funds have been secured for the £35m redevelopment of Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Subject to final approval by the council’s executive board, an agreement has been brokered which will see a private financial services company provide the funding for the project.

The stadium, which features two separate grounds, is home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Leeds Rhinos rugby league team and Yorkshire Carnegie rugby union team.

The redevelopments plans feature a new south stand on the rugby ground and a new joint stand overlooking both the rugby pitch and cricket ground.

Councillor Judith Blake Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve found a solution that will ensure Headingley continues to enjoy full international sporting status.

“Subject to the final approval of the Council’s Executive Board, this will deliver the funding to redevelop the stadium in full.

“The money will be provided by a private financial services company at no cost to the council tax payer, which offers the best and most viable option moving forward.”

Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, said: “We have been working closely with Leeds City Council and partners to find a solution to ensure international sport continues at Headingley Carnegie for many years to come and we appreciate all the effort and commitment put in by Leeds City Council to broker this deal.

“There is still much to do but recent developments are very encouraging and could provide the funding mechanism to complete the redevelopment work.”

Mark Arthur, Yorkshire County Cricket Club chief executive, added: “We would like to thank Councillor Judith Blake and Leeds City Council for their support in reaching this point.

“There is still a way to go, however, it is a significant step in securing the future of international cricket at Headingley.

“Yorkshire County Cricket Club will continue to work hard to ensure that all remaining funds are in place to ensure that the redevelopment is completed in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2019.”

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