Oxford United can today share a series of facts and details regarding its potential new home in Kidlington, in ten key areas of the development.
The club’s vision is to create a sustainable sports, entertainment and lifestyle landmark in Oxfordshire which is locally loved and internationally recognised. The stadium would set the benchmark for community benefit, environmental performance and commercial innovation and put the visitor experience at the heart of everything it does.
We are working through detailed feedback gathered during the public consultation and continue to work closely with key stakeholders and property and planning specialists as we work on finalising our full planning application.
The stadium at the Triangle in Kidlington would be a leading destination in both Oxfordshire and the UK that fuels the success of the men’s and women’s teams, delivers significant community benefit and provides a world-class conference centre.
The plans include a 16,000-capacity stadium and complex, a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & wellbeing space, gym and a community plaza.
With so many benefits available for the community and the environment if the stadium is approved, the club has outlined ten of the key elements of the new stadium if it proceeds.
1.Job creation
The new stadium would significantly help address local employment, which is currently slightly behind the wider economy, by creating around 1,000 jobs locally during the construction phase and once the venue is open.
Some 420 construction jobs will be created, at least 20 apprenticeships, plus 320 direct full-time equivalent jobs at the stadium and 142 indirect full-time jobs will be supported and retained. Furthermore, 95 full-time equivalent jobs supported by off-site football supporter spending will be generated.
2.Value to Oxfordshire economy
The stadium would make a significant positive contribution to the Oxfordshire economy every year. More than £32M would be generated per year in the local economy if the stadium is built.
3.Construction sector boost
The development would see an investment of more than £100M in construction, with local businesses prioritised where possible in the supply chain.
4.Visitor experience
The vision is to create a best-in-class venue that places the visitor experience at the heart of the complex.
We have incorporated rail seating into 25% of the stadium bowl to provide a safe solution to fans who want to stand during a match. The stadium bowl design will help enhance the atmosphere inside the venue and to also minimise noise and light spill.
5.Inclusion
The club is committed to creating a venue that is truly inclusive and welcoming to everyone in the community. The plans will create a new benchmark in the UK for a stadium that is inclusive and reduces barriers to participation and involvement.
It would see Oxford United provide unrivalled facilities. For example, the toilets would provide a more equal gender split that goes above and beyond current stadium design guidelines. Also included in the plans is a state-of-the-art sensory room ensuring people can comfortably visit Oxford United’s new home in a safe and calming environment.
6.Accessibility
The new stadium would enable the club to make matchdays more equal for supporters and visitors and set the standard for accessibility in UK stadia design. The South West corner would include a raised platform to create a space for wheelchair users, their family and friends to use the same concourse and sit together with elevated pitch views.
Wheelchair access and viewing spaces across the length of the West Stand would offer excellent views across the pitch and deliver a significantly higher proportion of accessible seating options than currently available in most UK stadia. We have increased the number of wheelchair positions within the seating bowl to more than 130, nearly three times the amount currently available at the Kassam Stadium.
We have allowed for more than 40% accessible parking on site which is significantly more than standard guidance levels which sit under 10%. The proposals will also include the provision of footpaths and cycle lanes to link the site to Oxford Parkway, Stratfield Brake, Kidlington and emerging residential developments that lie in close proximity.
7.Sustainability
If constructed the new stadium would positively impact on the environment we share and help contribute to a net-zero future. Modern sustainable technology and design would be incorporated to make the stadium one of the greenest in the UK. The club is committed to becoming net-zero by 2040.
Technology would include using 3,000m2 of solar panels to generate electricity, heat recovery solutions to maximise thermal efficiency, and heat pumps which will provide an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions per year when compared to gas boilers. Furthermore, drainage systems and rain storage and recycling solutions would be installed to re-use rainwater to improve biodiversity.
8.Biodiversity
The stadium would enhance biodiversity on the land by a significant net gain of at least 10%. This would be done via vast landscaping work which would radically improve the habitat. A dedicated area would be developed to the north of the stadium and trees to the south would be protected.
The proposed development would safeguard retained habitats of greater ecological value and protect species present within and adjacent to the site during construction. The provision of wildflower grassland, plus native tree and hedgerow planting would provide enhanced foraging opportunities for animals including badgers, bats and birds. This would be further enhanced by a green roof and green wall, bat and bird boxes and log piles.
Collectively this would provide homes for wildlife, helping to mitigate the effect of climate change.
9.Mental wellbeing
The development would help improve wellbeing in the community. The installation of sensory gardens and additional landscaping are designed to promote positive mental health.
The sensory garden will be designed as an inclusive space that can be enjoyed by all in the community. Gardens like these are good for mental health thanks to sensory stimulation, connection with nature, social interaction and therapeutic effects which will help improve cognitive function, enhance sensory integration and promote relaxation.
10.Community
One of the founding principles of the new stadium which would underpin the development during construction and in its full operation is ‘United With The Community’.
This means the stadium and Oxford United will be an active and positive part of the community, creating a sporting legacy and generating new employment, education opportunities and having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.
To reflect this commitment, we are set to launch ‘Dreaming Spires’, an initiative designed to ensure the club’s community pledges and the community elements of the seven priorities set out by Oxfordshire County Council are met, if the stadium is approved.
Dreaming Spires is designed to deliver activities, outreach programmes, initiatives, apprenticeships, local employment and more.