Oxford United have received the green light for an innovative investment. The council has approved the planning application for the construction of a new football venue, which is set to be the first stadium in the country to be fully powered by electricity.

Modern arena in harmony with environment

The project, prepared by AFL Architects together with partners – Mott Macdonald, Fabrik Landscape Design and Ridge and Partners – provides for the construction of a stadium on the Triangle site, six kilometres north of the centre of Oxford. The new arena will be located directly next to Oxford Parkway railway station and the Kidlington roundabout, which is expected to encourage the use of public transport.

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The concept includes a number of pro-ecological solutions. On the roof of the stadium, 3,500 m² of photovoltaic panels are planned, aimed at reducing energy demand on matchdays. The facility will be equipped with heat pumps and a structure designed to limit energy consumption. The entire complex will operate without fossil fuels, which will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions compared to traditional stadiums. In addition, the plan foresees the use of timber in the roof construction, green roofs, tree planting, ponds, rain gardens and wildflower meadows.

© AFL Architects / Oxford United

What will complex include?

The new Oxford United stadium is also intended to be a multifunctional centre of community life. In addition to stands for 16,000 spectators, there will also be an event space for 1,000 people, a hotel with 180 rooms, a restaurant, a health and wellbeing centre, and a public square with gardens.

The complex will provide nearly 450 bicycle parking spaces and new pedestrian and cycling paths linking it with neighbouring communities and public transport. The club emphasises that thanks to this, the venue will become one of the most important meeting points in Oxfordshire.

The new arena will increase the capacity of the current Kassam Stadium by 3,500 seats. Oxford United plan for the stadium to be alive not only during matches but also on other days of the week. The event space is to be the largest of its kind in the region, while specially prepared rooms will be allocated to the charitable activities of Oxford United in the Community. Thanks to this, the club will be able to expand its educational, health and integration programmes.

The history of Oxford United will be reflected in the architecture – a modern interpretation of the famous arch of the old Manor Ground stadium will appear at the entrance.

© AFL Architects / Oxford United

Council decision and next steps

The planning committee of Cherwell District Council voted 14 in favour, one against and three abstentions. The meeting lasted four hours and included, among others, speeches from Oxford United’s CEO Tim Williams and long-time club supporter Roland Clements, who spoke about the positive impact of the investment on the local community.

We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community. Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team, said Oxford United’s development director Jonathon Clarke.

This is a crucial step forward in the long process towards safeguarding the future of this great Club. With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan. Thank you also to Cherwell District Council for approving our application, and to all stakeholders, consultees and everyone else who has supported our vision, added Oxford United chairman Grant Ferguson.

Since the investment goes beyond the local development plan and involves green belt land, the matter still requires approval from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner.