Kyril Louis-Dreyfus welcomes Sheepfolds rethink to protect Stadium of Light and potential 63,000 expansion | OneFootball

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus says safeguarding the Stadium of Light’s long-term future has been Sunderland’s priority after revised Sheepfolds plans were lodged, welcoming changes he says balance regeneration with the club’s aims.

According to Sunderland Echo, he said the club worked with Sunderland City Council and is pleased the updated proposals serve both aims. He added the Riverside Sunderland project shows renewed confidence and the club will keep working with regional partners for long-term benefit.

The new application proposes a residential-led mixed-use scheme of up to 456 homes, down from up to 600, near the ground. Plot 1, nearest the stadium, is now commercial only, creating a stronger buffer to protect future flexibility.

The shift follows sharp criticism from former chairman Sir Bob Murray, who long safeguarded land for potential expansion and warned that homes built too close would risk landlocking the club’s key asset.

The stadium was built with scope to lift capacity to around 63,000 by extending the top tier around the bowl. Council documents say potential future investment, including a possible South Stand extension, has been discussed and factored in, with distances said to be sufficient for long-term plans.

Sheepfolds is the largest element of the Riverside Sunderland programme, which aims to deliver about 1,000 homes across 79 acres by the River Wear. The planning committee is expected to consider the bid in the spring, with work potentially starting towards the end of 2026.

Source: Sunderland Echo