Oxford United granted “full and final” planning permission for new stadium

Oxford United have been granted “full and final” planning permission for a new stadium at the Triangle site south of Kidlington.

The Section 106 agreement has finally been signed – with the U’s to put £5million into local infrastructure and projects.

The Kassam Stadium, which has been the club’s home since 2001, has a lease that is due to expire in 2028. The existing license agreement had been due to expire in June 2026.

A short-term extension for a maximum of two further years, with the option on a. second year conditional on new stadium planning approval.

Parties confirm no further extensions are possible, with the club placing on record thanks to Firoka Group and Firoz Kassam.

In April 2025, CEO Tim Williams appeared on Sky Sports, talking about our stadium situation, saying there was real potential for the club to be homeless if Cherwell Council didn’t approve the planning application for the Triangle site. Oxford got the plans approved by Cherwell Council in August 2025.

Oxford United are delighted to announce that the Club have formally signed the Section 106 Planning Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, which has enabled full and final planning permission for the Club’s new stadium to be issued.

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— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) February 26, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

Oxford United are delighted to announce that the Club have formally signed the Section 106 Planning Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, which has enabled full and final planning permission for the Club’s new stadium to be issued.

This represents one of the most significant milestones to date in Oxford United’s plans to build a 16,000-capacity stadium, which include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & wellbeing space, gym and community plaza.

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.

“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.”

A spokesperson for the club added: “Oxford United remain committed to maintaining strong dialogue with residents, businesses, supporters and local groups as the project progresses.”

The club say they say are committed to following a set of founding principles for their new home:

1. Visitor experience at its heart

Constructing a new landmark for Oxford which instils community pride, is accessible and welcoming for all who visit.

2. Creating a space that serves all who use it equally

Bringing our Women’s Team home, and ensuring the site and all facilities are a safe and inclusive place for all, with improved connectivity and access to the site, removing barriers to participation.

3. United with the community

Being an active and positive part of the community, and having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the community, with useful amenities that will support community activities.

4. Sustainability at the heart of the design

Ensuring that environmental and commercial sustainability is central to the proposals. Facilitating the transition to sustainable travel for fans and the prioritisation of the use of public transport.

5. Creating publicly accessible green spaces and gardens

Enhancing the local natural environment with increased biodiversity, more planting, gardens, and public spaces that can be enjoyed year round.

6. Safeguarding the future of the club with a strong commercial offer

Enhancing local amenities and creating an exemplary commercial offer to boost the club’s vitality and ensure its ongoing success.

What is the project?

The new stadium development is the development of a 16,000 capacity stadium with associated flexible commercial and community spaces, including hotel, retail, restaurant, commercial and health and wellbeing facilities, and gym facilities.

The northern part of the building, next to the new plaza, will have a range of retail, restaurant and community spaces, including the Club Shop, Sports Bar/Café and restaurant.

The building will be surrounded and complemented by new landscaping and community-focused open public green spaces which will enhance the biodiversity of the site by more than 10%.

What is the Triangle site?

The Triangle site is land to the east of Stratfield Brake and west of Oxford Parkway station. It is currently owned by Oxfordshire County Council and a leasing agreement has been secured to provide it to Oxford United, subject to meeting a number of conditions and the approval of a planning application by Cherwell District Council.

How is the project being funded?

Oxford United’s new stadium project will be funded through a combination of shareholder equity and longer-term funding sources. Shareholder equity refers to the initial investment made by the owners or shareholders, which they don’t expect to be repaid.

The remaining funding needed for the stadium will come from longer-term funding sources. The exact structure of this funding has not been specified.

The incremental revenues generated from the new stadium will play a significant role in meeting the repayment obligations for the longer-term funding. As the stadium generates more income through ticket sales, merchandise, and other revenue streams, it will help the club meet its repayment commitments without negatively impacting its ability to invest in the team on the pitch.

How much is the project going to cost?

The club anticipates investing over £100 million in the construction of its new home. The club is confident that the money will be raised, with the security of its owners standing behind the club. This is a major private investment in Oxfordshire, providing a new home for the county’s sole professional sports club and a new commercial and community hub for Kidlington and North Oxford.

Who will own the new ground?

Oxford United Football Club have agreed a lease agreement for the land and will develop and own the stadium. The club will work with the supporter groups and the community to ensure any new stadium is registered as a protected ‘Asset of Community Value’ under the Localism Act 2011 so that it becomes a long-term community and sporting destination.

What is happening to the Kassam Stadium?

It will be for the owners of Kassam stadium to decide, though we understand it may be developed to provide an alternative use.

Here’s how fans reacted with Oxford United granted “full and final” planning permission for a new stadium…

@JackMcD2408191: Was always gonna be the biggest win of the season #oufc

@RCW7777: Watch this go up before ours does 😂 #ltfc

@OUFCGoldenBoy: This is the much bigger picture. Forget having a bad season for a minute. This is the future!

@swissyellow: Over to Steve, Vicky, Suzie and Green Party representative Ian Middleton. The eyes are now firmly on you. @ZackPolanski @TheGreenParty do you destroy a football club on behalf of a rogue unpopular local narcissist who hates football or embrace the community & years of work

@Cj_covblaze: Excellent news after years of uncertainty. Hopefully a bright new future is on the horizon

@bookiemonster81: On the pitch has been a shambles, but if ever something off the pitch could be used as a boost, its this #oufc

@GiblinTez: Miss the old manner ground. Loved my visits to see the old shark in the roof 🦈 kassam stadium is such a lifeless place & dreadful place for away fans . Good luck with the new ground 👍

@Stuartjamess: Time for the people who’ve talked a big game that want to appeal this to put up or shut up, let’s see if they will put their money where their mouths are. I doubt it.

@PompeyTdog: It really does kick you right back down to planet earth doesn’t it, we have fans on their knees taking big creamy loads off our owners for putting pieces of plywood in our stadium. This from Oxford is ambition! #pompey

@lane_henry: After a shit couple of weeks in depressing season , good to finally get some positive news and something positive for future

@Oxford_carper: Best news all season… can’t wait to get out of the Kassam. I will be up there tomorrow… Shovel, wheelbarrow and bucket at the ready!!

Gary Lockwood: Fantastic news, we all needed something to cheer us up! COYY’s 💛💙💛💙

Peter Allen: Bloody marvellous, now get digging! And start winning 🤞💛💙

Mark Tyler: Great news hopefully the start of being self sufficient and building a bright future for generations of supporters and future first team development 💛💙

Gary Ellis: We have to have a new ground , fair play for doing it , we will be in league 1 , but the club will very attractive to many other players then, and in theory we could bounce back to the championship,🙏🤞