Oxford United F.C. has said it hopes to begin construction of its new stadium near Kidlington later this year, according to our Local Democracy Reporter Esme Kenney.
The club received planning permission for the proposed 16,000-seater stadium at The Triangle site late last year, following months of delays. A move is required as the club’s current lease at the Kassam Stadium is due to expire in June 2028.
The Section 106 agreement — which sets out the financial contributions the developer will make towards local infrastructure — was agreed last week, with the final contract still to be signed.
When asked about timescales for delivery, a club representative said they were “hopeful” construction could begin this year. They added that the aim is to complete the stadium in time for the 2028/29 season.
Janine Bailey, chair of the Oxford United Fan Advisory Board, said:
“We are delighted that the S106 agreement has been completed and is ready for final signature so that planning permission can be granted. Whilst the diligent approach taken by our football club has taken time, we are looking forward to having spades in the ground later this year.
“The timescale until we have to leave the current stadium is challenging but doable. This is an important step towards providing the new home for our club and top-class facilities for the community.”
Once the Section 106 agreement is signed, a six-week consultation period will follow before it proceeds to the High Court.
Under the agreement, the club is set to contribute at least £5.1 million towards infrastructure projects.
This includes £1.05 million for improvements at Oxford Parkway railway station, covering two new access gates and ticket readers, matchday barriers, additional waiting shelters on platforms and the conversion of an existing meeting room into a space for managing matchday operations.
Oxfordshire County Council will also receive £28,313 to replace ticket machines and £20,224 to replace height barriers at the station. More than £930,000 will be invested in delivering the Cowley Branch Line.
The county council will receive more than £1 million for traffic management measures, including bus improvements and speed cameras, while Cherwell District Council will receive more than £140,000 for public art.
Read more: From application to approval: a recap of Oxford United’s Stadium journey
The stadium plans were approved by Cherwell District Council last August. Due to the scale of the application, it was referred to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State, who ultimately decided not to call it in.
The wider development will also include a 180-bedroom hotel, a conference centre, restaurant and community plaza.
