Oxford United stadium move progressing

Oxford United have moved one small step closer to securing a new purpose built stadium.

A proposal from Oxford United FC to lease land from the county council for the development of a new 18,000 capacity football stadium is to be discussed by the authority’s Cabinet on 15 March.

Earlier this year the football club asked the county council to lease 18 hectares/44.48 acres of land at Stratfield Brake in Kidlington for 250 years.

At its 18 January meeting, the council’s Cabinet concluded it did not have sufficient information to approve initial discussions on the project.

A council spokesperson explained: "The Cabinet decided that there should first be a period of engagement with the public and local organisations on the principle of entering discussions and on the council’s objectives for the use of the land. This ran from 25 January to 22 February."

More than 3,700 people responded to that public engagement exercise.

It is understood that a public engagement exercise concluded with 80 per cent of the respondents in favour of the Council entering such discussions. Council will now evaluate their position on entering talks with the club and the project on Tuesday March 15.

A club spokesperson said they were delighted with the initial consultation report, adding: “The club thanks all who responded to the consultation and look forward to directly addressing points raised as we work through the next steps of the process, including as part of the eventual pre-application consultation process."

Exploratory talks have already begun between the club and Cherwell District Council, the latter having responsibility for the 45 acres of Stratfield Brake land which the club see as their ideal new home. The U’s lease agreement at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2026.

The Oxford United plans include a new purpose built 18,000-capacity stadium, community and sports grounds, a hotel, retail opportunities and conference facilities.