Oxford United have made a major step towards their proposal of a new stadium after securing planning permission from Cherwell District Council. United, who currently play at the Kassam Stadium, are looking to build a new 16,000 seater stadium.
In a statement on their official website, the U’s stated that they were “delighted that our planning application for a new 16,000 capacity stadium on land north of the city has been approved by Cherwell District Council.”
Speaking on the matter, Jonathon Clarke – the Development Director at the club – said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community.
“Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team. I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.”
Grant Ferguson, Chairman of Oxford United, added: “This is a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great Club. With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan.
“I’d like to thank Jonathon Clarke and our stadium project team for their unrelenting dedication and professionalism to enable us to reach this stage.”
“Thank you also to Cherwell District Council for approving our application, and to all stakeholders, consultees and everyone else who has supported our vision.”
The Journey So Far
Since 2001, the Kassam Stadium has been the home of Oxford United. But, with the stadium’s lease expiring next year, the U’s have been looking towards the prospect of a new stadium. With this being the case, the EFL Championship side proposed a 16,000 seater stadium which is a increase of 3,500 on the Kassam’s capacity of 12,500.
The proposal is part of a wider £100m project with the new stadium plans including a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & wellbeing space, and a community plaza. The Triangle, located behind the Stratfield Brake playing fields that United initially wanted to develop, has been idenified as the potential site of the new stadium.
The site has strong public transport links due to its close proximity to the Oxford Parkway railway station, marking a stark contrast to the U’s current, more isolated home. The site was agreed, in principle, between Oxfordshire County Council and the club to be leased, an announcement that was released in September of 2023.
On 9 October of the same year, Oxford United released further details and images of their potential new home in Kidlington. The club produced detailed images and a virtual fly-through, painting a vivid picture of the proposed 16,000-capacity stadium and surrounding complex.
In February 2024, the club revealed that the new stadium would be the first “all-electric” stadium in the United Kingdom. The stadium has been proposed as a fully solar-panel-powered stadium which will use heat recovery solutions across the stadium to increase thermal efficiency.
It was announced in June 2024 that the final decision on the planning application would be delayed until 2025. The plans, which were proposed in February, needed to be approved by the Cherwell District Council for the deal to go ahead, which they now have been.
In September of 2024, it was announced that Oxford had appointed a “leading brand experience consultancy” firm to help with the new stadium plans. The agency, 20.20 Limited, has previously worked with clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City.
Jon Lee, creative director of 20.20 Limited, stated that the company were “thrilled to be part of the incredible team to create a best-in-class venue for Oxford and Oxford United.”
When May Oxford United Leave The Kassam Stadium?
Given the planning approval that still needs to be gained, alongside the building of the stadium, it is unlikely that we will see Oxford United move into the stadium this season.
However, with the lease for the Kassam Stadium ending next year, the 2025-26 season may mark the start of a new era for the U’s as they move to their new stadium.
With this such an exciting development for the city of Oxford and the club, it is one that you may choose to keep an eye on in the coming weeks and months.
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