Oxford United have moved another step forward in their plans to build a new 16,000 capacity stadium. They announced on Friday, May 10, that they have signed a “legally binding lease option’ with Oxfordshire County Council.
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Oxford United are delighted to confirm it has signed a legally binding lease option with Oxfordshire County Council for land known as The Triangle, as well as completing a community collaboration agreement. 🏟️
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) May 10, 2024
‘Significant step forward’ – Oxford United move closer to new stadium
As well as signing a lease agreement for land known as The Triangle, Oxford have committed to a community collaboration agreement. Oxford said that “the completion of these contracts represents a significant step forward in securing Oxford United a long-term home in the county and the future of the 131-year-old football club.” The community collaboration agreement will ensure that Oxford provide social, environmental, and economic benefits for the local community.
This follows the announcement earlier in 2024 that the U’s had submitted an application to build a new stadium. Once planning permission is obtained from Cherwell District Council to begin the development, the club can exercise a 250-year lease. This agreement ensures that Oxford’s rights to play at the ground will be safeguarded, along with other provisions on rent and general use of the facilities.
Oxford Chairman reacts to latest developments
Grant Ferguson, Chairman of Oxford United, said: “This is a major step-forward in our exciting stadium development plans and for the long-term sustainability of the club.
“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.”
🏟️ I’m really pleased to hear that the County Council and Oxford United have now formally agreed the lease option on the land for a new stadium. This is a significant step forward and another milestone complete towards getting a shovel in the ground… now for planning… #OUFC pic.twitter.com/tzYwFpuJmP
— Cllr Liam Walker (@_LiamWalker_) May 10, 2024
Jon Clarke, Development Director, also said: “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.”
Other aspects of planning proposal
Included in Oxford’s planning proposals for the land around the new stadium are various other developments. For example, they plan to build a 180-bed hotel as well as a health and wellbeing centre, which will provide economic and social support to Oxfordshire. Oxford said: “The planning proposal submitted presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide a new home for sport, entertainment, business, community, education and tourism which the whole county can be proud of.”