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Oxford United sets sights on new stadium

English League One football club Oxford United has identified a site for a potential new 18,000-seat stadium, with the plans to be considered by Oxfordshire County Council next week.

Oxford currently plays at Kassam Stadium (pictured) but the club does not own the venue. Its lease deal to play at the 12,500-seat stadium expires in 2026 and the club is moving forward with plans to develop a new, larger stadium.

Oxford has confirmed that a site for a potential new stadium has been identified close to Oxford Parkway, off the A34 at the existing Stratfield Brake Sports Ground at Frieze Way, Kidlington. The site is owned by Oxfordshire County Council, which will consider the approach from United during a meeting on January 18.

United stressed that plans are at a “very early stage”, although the club would be able to seek planning permission if the proposal receives approval from the council. The club said the new stadium would provide the facilities and capacity to meet its future on-pitch ambitions and provide an “unrivalled” matchday experience.

Oxford is also looking to evolve plans for complementary uses on the remainder of the proposed site. This would include fan facilities and other uses providing sustainable additional revenue streams. Discussions will also be held with Gosford All Blacks, Kidlington Cricket Club and other Stratfield Brake stakeholders to ensure they can continue to play at the site.

Oxford managing director Niall McWilliams said: “As we have always said, this project is about more than football – we are determined to be part of a project that brings international-class sporting and community facilities to Oxfordshire.

“We have an ownership group who are determined to take this club to the next level both on and off the field. More importantly they see it as their obligation to do this in a structured and sustainable way which protects the long-term future of the football club.

“We thank Oxfordshire County Council for their considered approach in assessing our proposal, and should the decision be to proceed, we look forward to working with them, our fans and local stakeholders in bringing forward our plans for our long-awaited new community stadium.”

Image: Flippo/CC BY-SA 3.0/Edited for size