Oxford United are hoping to finally begin work on their long-planned new stadium near Kidlington later this year.
The Championship outfit received planning permission for the new 16,000-seater venue last year after many months of delays, and now it appears the club are moving closer to beginning that process.
What's the latest news on Oxford United's new stadium?
The project, which is part of a wider regeneration of the local area, is set to cost around £5.1 million in transport and infrastructure costs alone, including upgrades at Oxford Parkway train station, access gates, match-day barriers, and extra waiting shelters.
A representative of the U's said the club were “hopeful” of construction beginning this year, while Oxford United Fan Advisory Board chair Janine Bailey told the Oxford Mail that “the timescale until we have to leave the current stadium is challenging but doable.”
Indeed, Oxford see their current lease at the Kassam Stadium expire in 2028, which is why they are targeting a completion date ahead of the 2028/29 season.
FGG says: Work must begin soon to meet 2028 target
For the U's, there is little room for delay. The current lease ends in the next two years, meaning the club's long-term survival could hinge on moving into a modern home. As such, breaking ground in 2026 is rather important for the timeline.
Delays in new stadium projects can snowball quite quickly, ranging from planning hurdles to financial complications. Given that the Championship side have already received approval and cleared major checks, it's time to capitalise on that momentum.
If the club can get ‘shovels in the ground' this year, as they are hoping for, then that ambitious June 2028 completion date seems plausible.
A timely transition to the new Kidlington venue would help safeguard the club's future in the upper echeleons of the Football League but also spark wider community benefits that extend well beyond matchdays.