Oxford United Details Community Benefits, Jobs, NHS Access in New Stadium Plans

Oxford United is proposing to build a new 16,000-capacity stadium on land called the Triangle near Kidlington, aiming to replace their current home at the Kassam Stadium within two years. The club has issued an open letter emphasizing the community benefits of the new development, including a health and wellbeing centre that will help reduce NHS waiting lists, a new pharmacy, a community gym, and an accessible public plaza to support mental and physical health. The stadium is planned to be the UK’s first all-electric stadium powered entirely by on-site renewable energy, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. The proposal includes up to 1,000 employment and apprenticeship opportunities, with 20 percent ringfenced for local residents to address youth employment and hospitality labor shortages. A transport strategy, endorsed by local authorities and transport providers, aims for 90 percent of stadium travel to be via sustainable means such as trains, buses, cycling, and walking. Oxford United stresses that the stadium is vital for the survival of the club and its charity, promising to invest in local sports pitches and provide community access to the venue for schools and charities, despite some local opposition awaiting a decision by Cherwell District Council.