Oxford United FC has confirmed that it has signed a legally binding lease option with Oxfordshire County Council, which will help to secure a long-term home for the 131-year-old League One football club.
The agreement concerns an area of council-owned land in Oxford known as The Triangle, which is approximately 5 hectares in size and is situated in the green belt that surrounds the city.
Earlier this year an application was submitted to build a new, modern, eco-friendly, 16,000 capacity stadium on the site. The club will be able to fully exercise the 250-year lease once planning permission has been obtained from Cherwell District Council for the development.
The lease option agreement includes provisions to ensure Oxford United’s right to play at the stadium is secured, along with safeguards on rent and use of facilities.
Oxford United has also completed a community collaboration agreement, which formalises the club’s commitment to social, environmental and economic benefits for the community, as outlined in the seven strategic priorities set by the council.
The strategic priorities include improving public transport and achieving a net-zero development. Oxford United has also committed to the production of a Net Zero Plan in line with the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
“This is a major step-forward in our exciting stadium development plans and for the long-term sustainability of the club,” said Grant Ferguson, chairman of Oxford United. “On behalf of the club, I’d like to extend a thank you to our stadium project team, to all our supporters and to Oxfordshire County Council. We look forward to continuing to work closely with key stakeholders to bring our vision to reality.”
Jon Clarke, development director, added: “From the outset the club has sought to create a stadium and venue that protects the long-term future of Oxford United and delivers significant benefits to the wider community. The signing of this lease option is a major milestone and allows us to fully focus on obtaining planning. The project team has worked tirelessly for over three years to get us to this point – we can now move forward with certainty and confidence knowing we have secured the land deal.”
The planning proposal submitted presents an opportunity to provide a much-needed home for sport, entertainment, business, community, education and tourism in the area. The design includes a 180-bed hotel, conference and event space, along with a health and wellbeing centre, to help deliver significant economic and social benefits to Oxfordshire.
The visitor experience, inclusivity and sustainability have been placed at the heart of the design. It would be the first all-electric stadium in the UK and includes a safe standing allocation, sensory room, 130 wheelchair spaces and wellbeing gardens.
