Oxford United have moved a step closer to leaving the Kassam Stadium after reaching an agreement to lease land for a new ground.
The U’s have played at their current Kassam home since moving from the Manor Ground in 2001. They are contracted to host home games at the three-sided stadium until 2026, when their current agreement expires.
Oxford have launched plans to move to a new site at The Triangle in Kidlington. The ambitious new stadium would hold 16,000 fans, while also incorporating a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and health and wellbeing space.
Oxford ‘s new stadium has moved one step closer to fruition after they reached a landmark agreement with their local council.
An Oxfordshire County Council statement has confirmed: “An agreement has been reached on heads of terms for the county council to lease land it owns near Kidlington for Oxford United to develop a new football stadium.”
“This agreement represents positive progress in helping the club secure a long-term home in the county.”
“However, while this is an important milestone, it is only one step in a wider process.”
Responding to the news, Oxford wrote in their own statement: “Our focus is on securing the long-term future of Oxford United and delivering on our commitments to the Oxfordshire community.”
“The Heads of Terms being agreed is another step towards that ambition.”
“We’re delighted Oxfordshire County Council has also given an undertaking to sign the remaining key legal and partnership agreements this week.”
“This shows the club has met the council’s criteria and addressed their strategic priorities.”
In February, Oxford pledged to make their proposed new ground the “most-sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country”.
In addition to a slew of modern facilities, the proposed ground is set to become the nation’s first all-electric stadium. Rather than gas and other fossil fuels, Oxford’s new build will rely solely on electricity.
The 16,000-seater stadium will also feature 3000m² solar panels along its roof – enough to boil three million three-litre kettles per year.
On the new project, Oxford’s development director Jon Clarke said at the time: “The standout element of the stadium is it will be the most sustainable mid-sized sports venue in the country.”
“We want to make the most of the opportunity to create something special – it would be one of the greenest football stadiums to be built.”
Managed by Des Buckingham, Oxford are currently chasing a League One play-off place. They sit seventh in the third-tier with one game remaining, only behind Lincoln on goal difference.
Buckingham’s men could also still catch fifth-placed Barnsley , who are only one point ahead.
The U’s go to Exeter on the final day, with Lincoln hosting champions Portsmouth and Barnsley welcoming Northampton.
