Elland Road plan 'to create jobs'

The plans are available for public viewing this weekend

Leeds United has unveiled plans for a new leisure complex at its ground which it says will create more than 200 jobs.

The League One club is submitting plans for the redevelopment of Elland Road to Leeds City Council.

The proposal includes a 350-room hotel in the south east corner of the stadium and a covered arcade along the rear of the East Stand with shops and bars.

A new superstore, office block and nightclub are planned for the north east corner of the stadium.

The club also wants to extend its facilities for conferences and events.

The plans, which will not affect the ground's capacity, are available for public viewing at Billy's Bar at Elland Road at the weekend.

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates said: "Football grounds are used for 25 days a year to play football, it's important not to forget about the other 340 days you don't play football.

"This is another step for us towards ensuring the ground is not only used all year round, but is a place where people want to come."

If the plans are approved building work would start by the end of 2009.