The King Power Stadium expansion project remains in the pre-construction phase despite securing planning permission for the redevelopment. Leicester City FC has not started construction on the £200 million scheme. Instead, the club continues to hold the approved consent while reviewing the project’s timing against its financial position and long-term sporting strategy. Recent statements from club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha indicate that the expansion has been placed on hold until the club returns to the Premier League.
The mixed-use development still represents one of England’s most ambitious football-led regeneration projects. It combines a stadium expansion with commercial, residential and entertainment facilities designed to transform the area surrounding King Power Stadium.
The project also reflects a broader trend of investment in UK football infrastructure. Similarly, the New Old Trafford Stadium project in Manchester has advanced after securing the preferred construction site for its proposed 100,000-seat venue, highlighting continued momentum for large-scale stadium developments across England.
King Power Stadium Expansion Current status update (2026)
Planning approval granted by Leicester City Council in 2022 remains valid. However, construction has yet to begin. Club chairman Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha confirmed in early 2026 that the redevelopment has been paused while Leicester City competes outside the Premier League. He explained that the project will become a priority once the club returns to the top flight, where increased revenues can better support the investment.
The planning permission requires works to commence before the approval expires in late 2027. Should construction fail to start before that deadline, Leicester City may need to submit a fresh planning application.
Although physical construction remains on hold, the approved masterplan continues to form part of Leicester City’s long-term growth strategy. The scheme aims to increase match day capacity, diversify revenue streams and regenerate the surrounding district.
Also read: Emirates Stadium Expansion Project Remains in Planning Phase as Arsenal Refines Renovation Strategy
King Power Stadium Expansion Project overview
The approved redevelopment will expand King Power Stadium from approximately 32,000 seats to 40,000 seats through a new East Stand.
The wider masterplan also includes a 220-room hotel, a 6,000-capacity indoor arena, new club retail facilities, commercial offices, food and beverage outlets, residential buildings, an energy center and a multi-storey car park.
Public realm improvements, landscaped spaces and better pedestrian connectivity also form part of the approved development. A new pedestrian bridge will connect key elements across the site.
Read Also: Plans in for Phase 2B of Aylesbury Estate regeneration project in south London
The club will enlarge King Power Stadium to a capacity of 40,000 seats
The club has been working on a concept to increase the King Power Stadium’s seating capacity to 40,000 seats for years. The plan also includes the construction of 15-storey hotel with 220 rooms and a business center. Moreover, the club plans to construct a 6,000-seat indoor arena for conferences, concerts, and indoor sporting events. Live performances, would also be added to the stadium, which is located on the southern outskirts of the city.
A footbridge might connect the arena to the new east stand and hotel. The Thai owners of The Foxes also intend to build a 234-apartment and a 20-storey residential tower complex. A new club and commercial office space, and a multi-story parking structure would also be constructed. According to planning records, the site’s workforce would grow from 1,070 to 2,745.
“This is a sophisticated large redevelopment proposal as well as a stadium capacity extension,” a city council spokeswoman said. “In order to prepare the application for presentation to the planning committee with a recommendation for approval, we have been collaborating with the club and its advisors. The dates listed on the planning portal are merely intended as targets; they are not strict deadlines and may be changed.”
Project fact sheet
Project name: King Power Stadium Expansion Project
Location: Filbert Way, Leicester, England
Project value: Approximately £200 million
Project type: Stadium expansion and mixed-use regeneration
Current stadium capacity: Approximately 32,000 seats
Expanded capacity: 40,000 seats
Current status (2026): Approved but on hold before construction
Planning approval: Granted by Leicester City Council in September 2022
Planning commencement deadline: Late 2027
Major components:
- Expanded East Stand
- 220-room hotel
- 6,000-seat indoor arena
- Club retail store
- Commercial office space
- Food and beverage outlets
- Residential development
- Multi-storey car park
- Energy center
- Public realm improvements
- Pedestrian bridge
Primary objective: Increase stadium capacity while creating a year-round mixed-use destination.
Economic impact: Around 1,000 construction jobs and approximately 1,000 permanent operational jobs are expected upon completion.
Project team
Project owner: Leicester City Football Club
Developer: Leicester City Football Club
Club chairman: Aiyawatt “Top” Srivaddhanaprabha
Lead architect: KSS Architects
Planning consultant: Turley
Planning authority: Leicester City Council
Landscape architects: BDP
Transport consultants: BWB Consulting
Environmental consultants: Arup
Structural and engineering consultants: Arup
Legal planning framework: Section 106 Agreement with Leicester City Council
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