Council Agrees To Continue Discussions Regarding Oxford United’s New Stadium
Further talks are to take place with Oxford United about leasing council land for a new stadium. Oxford United want to build an 18,000-capacity sports complex on Oxfordshire County Council land at Stratfield Brake, near Kidlington. Despite complaints about the possible effects on the environment – including the warning of a “hole in the greenbelt which can never be repaired” from one councillor – the council have agreed to proceed with discussions at a cabinet meeting.
The League One club are looking for new ground as despite having played at the Kassam Stadium since 2001, they do not own the ground, and their lease is set to expire in 2026.
Currently Stratfield Brake is also home to a number of community sports teams, including youth football teams, plus Kidlington Cricket Club, and the Gosford All Blacks rugby team. As it sits within the Oxford greenbelt, the county council have instructed that any future building on the 18-hectare (45-acre) site would “need to maintain a green barrier” between Oxford and Kidlington.
The club have emphasised that the proposed development is not just about football, but the wider community, with their Managing Director Niall McWilliams saying: ”It's about providing international-class community facilities for the Kidlington area and our county, not just for sport but for music, theatre, drama, and education.
“We all want to see it thrive for centuries to come. A new stadium under the control of the club and not a third party will allow this to happen.”
A consultation on behalf of the council found that 80% of respondents backed the move, though only 38% of respondents living in Gosford, Kidlington, and Water Eaton were in favour of it proceeding.
After the council’s agreement to continue discussions, Oxford United released a statement saying: “Oxford United are absolutely delighted that Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet has agreed with their officers’ recommendation to proceed with discussions regarding our proposal to lease land at Stratfield Brake.
“We wholeheartedly welcome their decision and thank them for their considered approach in assessing our proposal and understanding the vital need to safeguard our club’s future within Oxfordshire.
“As demonstrated in the recent consultation, there is wide-spread and significant support for our new stadium project, from local residents, fans and stakeholders throughout the Oxfordshire community.
“Whilst the decision today remains the first stage of the process, it is a historic one, an important step forward to enable us to progress to the pre-planning stage.
“We look forward to negotiating with officers to agree the finalised terms of the deal and as part of the pre-planning process, working with the local community to answer many of the valid issues that were raised as part of the consultation. We will provide a further update on our intended approach forward in due course.”
The club have also released a FAQ page, for maximum engagement and clarity with their community.
Top image credit: Oxford United FC
