Oxford United has officially signed a planning agreement, which enables full and final planning permission for a new stadium to be issued.
The club announced this evening (Thursday, February 26) that it had formally signed the Section 106 Planning Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council.
This agreement has enabled full and final planning permission for the EFL Championship club’s new stadium to be issued.
The news represents one of the most significant milestones to date in Oxford United’s plans to build a 16,000-capacity stadium, says the club.
These plans also include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & wellbeing space and a gym as well as a community plaza.
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Inside the planned new Oxford United stadium. (Image: Fortitude Communications)
Oxford United says that signing the Section 106 follows extensive and detailed engagement between the club and local authorities.
This, the club adds, is to ensure that the stadium and surrounding development deliver long‑term social, economic and environmental benefits for people across Oxfordshire.
It is said that the agreement will see over £5 million invested into infrastructure and local projects, alongside other commitments made as part of a separate Community Collaboration Agreement.
With formal planning approval received, the club can now progress with the next phase of the project, which includes the discharge of pre-commencement conditions and enabling works ahead of construction.
Oxford United Chairman, Grant Ferguson, said: “Signing the Section 106 Agreement and receiving formal planning approval brings us one step closer to delivering a new home for our Club.
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Oxford United fans at the Kassam Stadium. (Image: Mike Allen)
"It also underlines the commitment of our owners to make a significant investment into the UK and Oxfordshire.
“The new stadium is designed not only as a home for men’s and women’s football, but as a major community and business hub that supports local and regional economic growth, sustainability objectives and long‑term wellbeing across the county.
“I’d like to thank Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council, our project team and the many community groups, supporters and stakeholders who have contributed constructively throughout this process.
“While important steps remain, this milestone gives us the platform to move forward with confidence as we focus on the next stages of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Oxford United remain committed to maintaining strong dialogue with residents, businesses, supporters and local groups as the project progresses.
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Oxford United's current home, the Kassam Stadium. (Image: Zac Goodwin/ PA Wire)
The club says it will provide further updates on the situation in due course, following the landmark milestone this evening.
Meanwhile, the Yellows find themselves firmly in a relegation battle after a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Stoke City last night (Wednesday, February 25).
Second-bottom of the table with only 29 points on the board, United are currently on a winless streak of seven games.
Despite impressive draws versus table-topping Coventry City and promotion-chasing Middlesbrough, the Yellows still find themselves adrift from the rest.
United next play on Saturday (February 28), hosting relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion at the Kassam Stadium with kick-off set for 3pm.
