This landmark decision brings the club’s vision one step closer to reality. The Council’s planning committee confirmed their approval following a meeting that featured compelling speeches from Oxford United’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Williams, and lifelong supporter, Roland Clements. Both highlighted the significant positive impact the stadium will have for the club, its supporters, and the wider community. In granting approval, the Council recognised the scheme’s considerable public benefits, community value, and sustainable commercial model.
A Future-Focused Design
Designed by AFL Architects, Oxford United’s new stadium reflects the club’s ambition to create a sustainable, welcoming, and high-quality home for generations to come. The project’s five-hectare site, known as the Triangle, is located 6km north of Oxford, near Oxford Parkway railway station and Kidlington Roundabout. The development will replace the club’s existing home at the Kassam Stadium, where its licence agreement expires in 2027.
The stadium bowl has been designed as a continuous sweep around the pitch, with a steeper rake than typical, optimising sightlines and atmosphere. Its orientation responds to the sun’s position during afternoon kick-offs, positioning the main West Stand to benefit from the setting sun and enhancing natural light conditions for players and spectators alike.
Architectural Character and Context
The integration of hospitality and hotel facilities into the West and North stands introduces a distinctive asymmetry to the massing, rising towards the prominent North-West corner before tapering down to the South-East. This design move informs the stadium’s diagonally sloping roofline, a bold architectural gesture that balances scale and function.
This form allows the stadium to sit harmoniously within the wooded edge of the site while presenting a stronger presence to key approach points, including Kidlington Roundabout and Frieze Way. The hotel and hospitality spaces form an L-shaped block around the North-West corner, designed to work in concert with the stadium bowl. The layering of these elements creates a coherent and visually engaging overall composition.
The UK’s First All-Electric Stadium
As the first all-electric stadium in the UK, Oxford United’s new home will operate entirely on renewable energy. The design incorporates 3,500 sq m of roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to help reduce demand on the national grid during matchdays. An air-source heat pump and highly efficient building fabric will remove reliance on carbon-based fuels, delivering an estimated 80% reduction in annual CO₂ emissions compared to gas boilers.
"We’re absolutely delighted to have secured this crucial step to safeguard the Club for generations to come. The Committee supported the recommendation of the Planning Officer and has approved our stadium plans. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ridge and Partners who has been fundamental in reaching this milestone. Their dedication and expertise have truly made the difference in securing the future of Oxford United."
A Lasting Legacy for Club and Community
The development will increase stadium capacity by 3,500 seats, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and providing Oxford United with a permanent home. Purpose-built facilities for the club’s charity, Oxford United in the Community, will enable the expansion of its education, health, and inclusion programmes, strengthening the club’s social impact.
