Leicester City seem to be running short on time to commence work on their proposed 40,000-capacity stadium.
The Foxes unveiled their intentions to expand King Power Stadium and redevelop the surrounding area four years ago.
Initial blueprints for the venue were presented in 2021 before the club secured official approval from the council in December 2023.
However, construction has yet to begin on the site, sparking concern over an approaching deadline.
It was previously stated that building work was not scheduled to begin until 2024 at the earliest, but 2026 is now fast approaching.
And it seems progress will need to be made quite soon, with a cutoff date set for two years from now.
According to Stadium DB, Leicester’s authorisation from the council to enlarge their ground runs out in December 2027.
If the Foxes fail to commence development by that time, they will have to submit a fresh application for consent.
The stadium expansion, centred on the East Stand, is projected to increase the seating capacity from 32,259 to 40,000.
Alongside the stadium upgrades, plans for the surrounding complex include a 220-room hotel, a covered multi-use events and entertainment arena, retail outlets, housing, commercial facilities, and a multi-level car park.
The club estimates that around 1,000 jobs would be generated during construction and an additional 1,000 once the redevelopment is completed.
Leicester stated in their announcement that they intend to contribute to the revitalisation of the area and turn it into “a 365-day destination.”
Why hasn’t construction begun?
Leicester have endured significant financial setbacks after being unexpectedly relegated from the Premier League twice in recent years.
The Foxes, who lifted the FA Cup in 2021 and won the Premier League title in 2016, were first relegated under Dean Smith in 2023 before dropping back into the Championship again last season.
In addition to the financial losses that came with relegation, owners King Power were severely affected by the COVID pandemic, and the club has since been hit by multiple Financial Fair Play complications.
Threats of points deductions have hovered over the club, who have been forced to sell key players to avoid further breaches of FFP regulations.
It highlights the extent of their financial vulnerability, and if their situation fails to improve by 2027, the redevelopment plans may have to be delayed.
Leicester’s stadium background:
The King Power Stadium has served as Leicester’s home since 2002.
They relocated to the venue, originally known as the Walkers Stadium, after departing their historic ground at Filbert Street.
The Foxes had played at Filbert Street since 1891 before moving slightly south to their modern home. The old site was demolished in 2003.
Leicester now aim to upgrade their stadium once more within the next two years — though the timeline has already been pushed back.
But if they fail to get construction underway in time, the King Power could remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.