Oxford United submit formal proposal ahead of building a new 18,000 capacity stadium

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Oxford United announced a formal proposal from the council for use of the Stratfield Brake Sports Ground in Kidlington as they look to relocate the club’s ground.

The U’s, if they are successful, plan to build a brand new 18,000 capacity stadium complex on the site.

Oxford are working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and both the Gosford All Black RFC and Kidlington Cricket Club, who currently play at the ground, to negotiate the possibility of leasing part of the grounds for the next 250 years.

The club has explained its vision and a clear intention has been set out to create a facility that can be used by the whole community, not just the League One side.

The hope is for the land to hold training and community sports grounds, hotel, retail and conference facilities as well as the new stadium.

As a result, the current residents of Stratfield Brake will still be able to call the area home, with facilities for both the rugby and cricket teams to use.

The Yellows have a lease on their current home, the Kassam Stadium, which runs out in 2026 which means the new group of Thai shareholders are keen to build a new home once the contract comes to an end, one fit for what they hope to soon be a Championship side.

Both the Oxfordshire County Council, the club, the supporter’s trust, and the boards of the Gosford All Blacks and Kidlington will have meetings in the coming days.

The council will have to decide whether to accept the proposal or not, and the clubs involved will have to decide whether this could be a positive opportunity for themselves and the community.

Once the permission has been given, Oxford United can move forward with asking for planning permission.

Managing director Niall McWilliams explained that there is still a long way to go, with many moving parts in play. 

“We still have to speak to counselors, we have to speak to planners, obviously we have to speak to Sport England, the RFU, the ECB, the FA, the EFL. The list goes on and on and on”

The Kassam Stadium is owned by businessman and former Oxford United owner Firoz Kassam. When he sold the club in 2006, he retained ownership of the stadium with the club as tenants. 

Due to this, the club have not been able to benefit from having their own stadium, with large amounts of the money made going to Kassam’s business Firoka instead of to the club. 

With the lease running out in four years, an incentive to move forward and create a new home that the fans have been calling out for what seems an eternity has begun.

The feedback seems to be mostly positive, with Gosford All Blacks RFC chairman David Hipkiss saying he is positive about the opportunities for the community and his club. 

“Should their plans come to fruition, this may represent an excellent opportunity for all community sport in the locality including Gosford All Blacks RFC. We look forward to working with Oxford United and all stakeholders to understand the opportunity this may bring in greater detail”

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