England: Oxford United FC reveals plans to build a new stadium before 2026

source: StadiumDB.com; author: StadiumDB.com

England: Oxford United FC reveals plans to build a new stadium before 2026 Since 2001, Oxford United has leased the Kassam Stadium from the owner, part of Kassam’s Firoka Group companies. However, the lease agreement expires in 2026. Like every homeowner facing possible eviction, the club thinks about its future home.

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The team of AussieBestCasinos experts who specialize in reviewing top Australian online casino sites has researched the issue due to the interest in social development, picking the facts for easy comprehension. Now read about Oxford Club’s plan for a fresh stadium design and its intricacies.

A New Venue for the Yellows - More Than a Stadium

The Oxfordshire County Council agreed to lease the Triangle, a land South of Kidlington, to the club. Oxfordshire County Council agreed on an MOU. Plus, the cost was revealed at over £100 million (€115 million / $123.9 million raising some eyebrows among locals. But it is subject to planning permission from Cherwell District Council. According to a released CGI, the stadium will accommodate 16,000 spectators. The 12-acre site is South of Kidlington roundabout, West of Banbury Road, east of Frieze Way, and opposite Oxford Parkway Station.

Oxford United believes the Triangle is among the best lands to build in-class facilities. As a result, they propose building more than a football stadium. Other facilities under consideration include:

  • A complex in the stadium building.
  • A 180-bed hotel.
  • Restaurant and conference center.
  • Health and wellbeing space and a community plaza.

The community center will include a club shop, sports bar, café, and restaurant where one can relax and pick soccer games for betting in the best casino online Australia. Oxford United wants to build a sustainable and community-focused stadium. As a result, the club has released details of the proposal to demonstrate their seriousness. It even held a series of exhibition boards at the Holiday Inn hotel at Peartree Roundabout that lasted 12 days until October 21. Visitors saw the design from 9 am - 8 pm daily. Apart from this, the stadium project teams answer questions during the three ‘meet the project team days.’

New stadium for Oxford United - rendering© Oxford United

Local Residents Kicks Against the Proposal

Local Kidlington residents rejected the stadium project in a vote held on May 10. Before then, 50% to 60% of the 5,441 respondents felt the proposal met essential criteria. However, the figure was lower for individuals within a two-mile radius of the site. In contrast,19% to 40% agreed to development. From the May 10 poll, 29.99% of residents cast a vote, with the majority against the proposal.

In response to the poll, the county council report officers accepted that the Triangle was in the green belt. Nonetheless, they explained that it's optional to avoid developing the land. Moreover, the lease comes with diff conditions. For example, the club has to produce a “net zero plan that is fully cost.” Plus, limited commercial activities are only permitted in the stadium footprint. In other words, lands must be set aside for football and community sports areas.

New stadium for Oxford United - rendering© Oxford United

Benefits for the Community

Oxford United states that the community-focused open public green spaces and new landscaping will surround the building. With this, the structure will enhance the site’s biodiversity by over 10%. Furthermore, a public transport system will connect the broader community with a new east-to-west pedestrian and cycle route. Likewise, improved footway and cycleway links to Oxford Parkway Station and the Water Eaton Park and Ride site. The stadium will feature sensory rooms and an accessible concord with elevated pitch views.

Using Exhibition to Reduce Local Opposition

Oxford United reduced barriers via the 12-day exhibition from October 10 – October 12. People saw the proposal, left feedback, and had an opportunity to ask questions. The environmental campaigners launched a legal action against the project in August. Part of the reason was that the Council failed to provide details in its latest public consultation on the project. However, the move to reduce barriers through involvement has reduced concerns.

The club said in a statement that it aims for women’s league and cup fixtures to be played at the stadium. The women’s team plays at non-league Oxford City’s Court Place Farm Ground. Beyond use as a stadium, the facilities will provide more comfort for residents and serve various community uses. With a home to call theirs, residents who are betting enthusiasts can stake in the best online casinos Australia without worrying about pitch conditions ruining their wager.

New stadium for Oxford United - rendering© Oxford United

The CEO’s Perspective on the Issue

Oxford United Football CEO Tim Williams hoped everyone from Kidlington and areas across the county would attend the exhibition. He said, With our right to use the Kassam Stadium ending in 2026 and no option to renew the lease, we must find a new home. The club is committed to developing a highly sustainable and community-focused proposal while providing a state-of-the-art destination for all. The further detail we have released today shows how seriously we take these principles, and I am delighted to share the first glimpse of our stadium with the whole of Oxfordshire. We want to hear all your feedback.

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