Ongoing coverage of Oxford United’s new stadium plans

Oxford United has secured full Section 106 planning approval for its new 16,000‑capacity stadium, marking a major milestone in the club’s development plans. The stadium will include a hotel, restaurant, conference centre, gym, health and wellbeing spaces, and a community plaza.

The agreement ensures over £5 million will be invested in local infrastructure and projects, alongside apprenticeships, school and charity access, and environmental protections. With planning approval now granted, Oxford United can progress to pre-commencement works and construction.

Oxford United will contribute at least £5.1 million towards infrastructure as part of plans for its new 16,000-seat stadium near Kidlington. Funding will support upgrades at Oxford Parkway Station, investment in the Cowley Branch Line, bus and cycling improvements, parking controls and public art.

The agreement with Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council marks a key step forward in the project, although a construction start date has yet to be confirmed.

Oxford United hopes to begin construction of its new 16,000-seat stadium near Kidlington this year after agreeing a Section 106 infrastructure deal worth at least £5.1 million. The club aims to complete the stadium in time for the 2028/29 season, ahead of its Kassam Stadium lease expiring in 2028.

Funding will support improvements to Oxford Parkway Station, traffic management measures and the Cowley Branch Line, alongside wider development including a hotel and community facilities.

Oxford United secured planning permission for a new 16,000-capacity stadium at The Triangle site near Kidlington, following months of delays, a record-breaking council meeting and final sign-off from the Secretary of State. Here’s a recap of the key moments that led to approval.

Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown has urged the Government to make a swift decision on Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-seat stadium at The Triangle, Kidlington. Planning permission was granted in August, but final approval rests with the Secretary of State, who extended the review period earlier this month.

With the Kassam Stadium lease ending in 2028, Brown said the issue is “increasingly urgent”. Supporters highlight economic, transport, and sporting benefits, while opposition groups continue to push for the plans to be called in.

Oxford City Council has welcomed Cherwell District Council’s decision to approve Oxford United’s plans for a new 16,000-seat stadium on land known as The Triangle, just south of the Kidlington roundabout.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, reaffirmed the council’s longstanding support for Oxford United’s ambition to move to a new, purpose-built, modern stadium.

Oxford United’s long-held ambition to build a new 16,000-capacity stadium took a major step forward today, as Cherwell District Council granted planning permission for the development at The Triangle, south of the Kidlington roundabout.

The decision followed a marathon four-and-a-half-hour planning committee meeting, watched by more than 6,000 people via the council’s live stream. The application will now be referred to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration.

Former British Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has endorsed Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-capacity stadium, which will feature 130 wheelchair spaces, raised platforms, step-free access, sensory rooms, Changing Places toilets, and accessible hotel rooms.

Designed to set a new benchmark for disabled fans, the project has also gained support from Level Playing Field, a charity promoting accessibility in sport. The club aims to create a welcoming environment that prioritises equal experiences for all supporters.

Oxford United’s plans for a 16,000-seat stadium in Kidlington have been recommended for approval by Cherwell District Council’s Planning Team. Councillors will vote on 14 August, with the application then referred to the Secretary of State if approved.

The proposal includes commercial, community, and hospitality facilities, plus extensive landscaping and transport links. While the site lies in the Oxford Green Belt, officers say “very special circumstances” outweigh the harm, supported by mitigation measures to protect transport, biodiversity, and residential amenity.

Oxford Bus Company, Oxfordshire’s largest bus operator and part of the Go-Ahead Group, has officially supported Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-seat stadium north of the city.

Highlighting sustainable travel, the company praised plans for 90% of matchday attendees to use public transport, cycling, or walking. The scheme includes improved train services, multiple park and rides, and 446 cycle spaces. The stadium, envisioned as a year-round community hub, also features a hotel, conference centre, and wellness facilities.

Cycas Hospitality which will operate a 180-room Radisson hotel at Oxford United’s proposed new stadium has voiced strong support for the project citing its potential to create up to 80 permanent hotel jobs and benefit the local economy.

Radisson Hotel Group confirmed its commitment to community partnerships and talent development. The full stadium project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs and contribute £32 million annually to Oxfordshire’s economy.

The English Football League’s charitable arm, EFL in the Community, has voiced strong support for Oxford United’s proposed new stadium, citing its wide-reaching benefits, including supporting local health and wellbeing, reducing NHS pressures, and creating nearly 1,000 jobs, with 20% reserved for locals.

In addition to serving as a home for Oxford United, the stadium will also house a hotel, gym, café, wellbeing spaces, and offer free or discounted use for schools and charities. The project promises to expand Oxford United’s charitable reach across Oxfordshire.