Oxford United’s Development Director, Jonathan Clarke, recently gave an interview to Oxford Mail about the club’s exciting new stadium project. According to him, a large and dedicated team is constantly working to create a unique venue that will lead not only in Oxford but across the globe.

A venue alive 365 days a year

The vision is to create a sustainable site north of Oxford that combines sports, entertainment, and lifestyle, loved by locals and recognized worldwide. The stadium will set benchmarks in community benefits, environmental efficiency, and commercial innovation, with visitor experience at the heart of everything. The club has already submitted a full application for planning permission for a 16,000-seat stadium, a 180-room hotel, and a conference and exhibition center with a 1,000-person capacity, with progress moving at a rapid pace.

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© AFL Architects / Oxford United

A multidisciplinary team of market-leading experts

A team of top experts is working on various aspects of the plan’s development. This includes ongoing research into best practices to fine-tune the details and ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a world-class destination is fully realized. Clarke shared that the team has been visiting many other English stadiums as part of market research, not only about sports venues but also tourist attractions. The insights we gather from discussions with teams at each site are invaluable, especially regarding how to keep the stadium running 365 days a year and ensure a top-notch visitor experience, Clarke explained.

© AFL Architects / Oxford United

Working with top companies in the market

Clarke emphasized that the new stadium will be more than just a home for Oxford United. That's why the club is focusing on visitor experience, accessibility for all, community impact, and sustainability—both environmentally and economically. The club has hired 20.20, a renowned creative agency, to design the stadium's brand and develop a proposal that places the fan and matchday experience at the heart of the venue. The firm has worked with top clubs, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool.

© AFL Architects / Oxford United

A major boost for the local economy

The economic benefits of the new venue will be significant, with nearly 1,000 jobs created, generating around £32 million annually for the local economy. It will also be the largest purpose-built conference space in the region, something the county currently lacks for hosting national and international events. The new site will be a landmark for what the club can offer to the community, providing a shared square and relaxation gardens, expanding educational and well-being programs, and making fitness activities and other flexible amenities available to all.