Oxford United FC has completed its lease agreement with the county council to allow a move to its proposed new stadium.
The Oxfordshire County Council (OCC)-owned land, known as The Triangle, in Kidlington has been earmarked for the new development, provided a number of conditions are met.
Now the club and OCC have completed negotiations for a 250-year lease, subject to planning permission from Cherwell District Council, and at the same time agreed a community collaboration agreement which meets seven strategic priorities set by OCC.
The strategic priorities include improving public transport and achieving a net-zero development. United has also committed to the production of a net zero plan in line with the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.
The lease option agreement includes provisions to ensure the club’s right to play at the stadium is secured, along with safeguards on rent and use of facilities.
Grant Ferguson, chairman of Oxford United, said: “This is a major step-forward in our exciting stadium development plans and for the long-term sustainability of the club.
“On behalf of the club, I’d like to extend a thank you to our stadium project team, to all our supporters and to Oxfordshire County Council.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with key stakeholders to bring our vision to reality.”
Jon Clarke, development director for the club, said: “From the outset the club has sought to create a stadium and venue that protects the long-term future of Oxford United and delivers significant benefits to the wider community.
“The signing of this lease option is a major milestone and allows us to fully focus on obtaining planning permission. The project team has worked tirelessly for over three years to get us to this point – we can now move forward with certainty and confidence knowing we have secured the land deal.”
The 16,000-capacity ground will be the UK’s first all-electric stadium and will include a 180-bed hotel, conference and event space and a health and wellbeing centre.
Inside the stadium there will be a safe standing area, a sensory room, 130 wheelchair spaces and wellbeing gardens.
The team on the project includes Ridge, AFL Architects, Fabrik, Mott MacDonald and JBP.
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