Oxford United to invest over £5 million in local projects as part of new stadium plans near Kidlington
The stadium project includes funding for transport and public infrastructure.
Oxford United is set to contribute over £5 million towards local projects and infrastructure as part of their approved plan to construct a new stadium at The Triangle site near Kidlington.
The stadium, approved last year by Cherwell District Council and the Secretary of State, will have a capacity for 16,000 visitors.
Oxford United has reached an agreement with Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council regarding Section 106 contributions, which are financial obligations that developers make toward local infrastructure.
Among the improvements funded by this agreement are upgrades at Oxford Parkway Station and the Cowley Branch Line.
Oxford Parkway Station will receive £1.05 million for enhancements, such as new access gates, ticket readers, match day barriers, additional waiting shelters, and a room dedicated to managing match day operations.
Chiltern Railways will oversee these improvements.
The county council will receive £28,313 for ticket machine replacements and £20,224 to update height barriers at the station.
The Cowley Branch Line, which aims to reopen and provide new stations at Oxford Cowley and Oxford Littlemore, will receive £932,519.
This reopening will facilitate routes to Oxford city centre and London Marylebone.
Oxford United will also provide substantial funding for traffic management measures near the new stadium.
The contributions include £722,264 for local bus improvements, £690,764 for a mobility hub on the A44, £587,778 for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure at Oxford Parkway, and £260,550 for speed cameras.
Furthermore, £153,240 will fund two controlled parking zones near the site, alongside £260,550 for variable messaging signs on highways and £184,120 for enhanced parking enforcement.
Cherwell District Council will benefit from £141,702 allocated to public art in the stadium's vicinity.
Additional funding is designated for woodland management, biodiversity enhancement, and travel monitoring.
The stadium complex will also feature a 180-bed hotel, a restaurant, a conference centre, and a community plaza.
Although there is no confirmed start date for stadium construction, the finalisation of the Section 106 agreement expected by the end of the month will allow the project to progress.
Oxford United's lease at Kassam Stadium will expire in June 2028, as they now have planning approval for the new venue.