Premier League winners in race to begin work on 40,000-seater indoor stadium

LEICESTER CITY are reportedly in a race against time to begin construction on a new 40,000-seater stadium.

The Foxes have been playing at their current home, the King Power Stadium, since 2002.

8 Leicester are in a race against time to redevelop the King Power Stadium Credit: Leicester City Football Club

8 The Foxes announced plans to boost capacity to 40,000 in 2021 Credit: Leicester City Football Club

Formerly known as the Walkers Stadium, it boasts a capacity of 32,259.

And the King Power went down in Leicester folklore as fans witnessed Claudio Ranieri’s side lift the Premier League title there in 2016.

However, the Foxes are now looking to give it a major redesign.

In 2021, they revealed stunning plans to transform the King Power into a new mega 40,000-seater stadium.

The swanky development would see a 6,000-seater indoor arena and hotel built on site.

But Leicester also announced that work would not commence until 2024 at the earliest.

It is now nearing 2026 and the Foxes are yet to start on any changes to the King Power.

And according to Stadium DB, Leicester have to get cracking fairly soon.

It’s reckoned that they have been granted a building permit by Leicester City Council.

However, it expires in December 2027.

8 The amazing plans have been put on ice due to financial issues Credit: Leicester City Football Club

8 Leicester must start construction before December 2027 Credit: Leicester City Football Club

8 Plans include building a 6,000-seater indoor arena Credit: Leicester City Football Club

8 There are also plans to construct an on-site hotel Credit: Leicester City Football Club

And construction must begin before that date, otherwise Leicester will have to submit another application.

The club has been hamstrung by FFP regulations in recent seasons, leading to the sales of stars including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Mads Hermansen.

And unless finances improve, Leicester may be forced to postpone the project indefinitely.

Adam Williams, lead financial expert at EFL Analysis, said: “The latest on the stadium expansion and redevelopment is that it’s not going to start until at least 2026.

“The club has got planning permission from Leicester City Council, which is valid until December 2027.

“So work would need to start before then unless they reapply for planning permission thereafter.”

8 Leicester have been playing at the King Power since 2002 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

8 It holds over 32,000 seats and witnessed the 2016 Premier League title win Credit: Shutterstock Editorial