Oxford United seeks eco-stadium planning permission

English League One team Oxford United have submitted a planning application for a brand new all-electric and nature-positive stadium that will be the first of its kind in the UK.The 16,000 capacity football stadium on a site close to Oxford Parkway station has been proposed with significant attention paid to biodiversity net gain, active travel and a tight deadline for delivery as the club’s tenancy at its existing home ends in 2026.While the club hopes to have the stadium built quickly and have already received in principle consent from Oxfordshire County Council, this has not stopped it attempting to ensure the ecological and social impact is as positive as possible.Oxford United development director Jon Clarke said “We have taken the opportunity to create something truly incredible that not only places the visitor experience at its heart but is sustainable and will deliver huge benefits to our community and economy.”Biodiversity net gainThe site is undergoing a detailed bio-diversity net gain analysis to ensure it helps to enhance local woodlands. The project will include green roofs and will plant natural local species of trees and shrubs on site while also introducing landscaped gardens to support nature recovery of the area, part of which has previously been used for commercial willow harvesting.In total, the project is expected to deliver greater biodiversity net gain than the 10% required by current planning policy, aspiring to achieve 20% in line with ambitious targets in the area. This increase would leave wildlife habitats in a better state than before the project.Sustainable and active travelThe project will open up the site with new entrances for pedestrians and cyclists to support local cycling and walking infrastructure plans and the green space will be open to everyone all year round, including on match days. These open spaces include a proposed community plaza, open gardens and places for dining.At the same time, its close proximity to Oxford Parkway will be capitalised on with enhancements to local infrastructure that provide better access and improvement works around Oxford Parkway station and the Oxford Road.This will support Oxford United’s ambition to have 90% of its matchday attendances arrive at the stadium via sustainable transport.Economic impactThe project aims to keep facilities within the stadium structure itself to minimise environmental impact but this will not prevent it seeking economic opportunities from non-matchday uses.Plans incorporate a 180-bed hotel, restaurant and café for visitors, community space for meetings, education and community groups, hospitality spaces for match day and non-match day conferences and events, and an active health and wellbeing facility.In total, Oxford United expect that construction investment will be more than £100m with 380 construction jobs created. Once complete, it will also support 340 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs and a further 170 indirect FTE jobs. This is projected to create £31m of gross value add to the local area.Clarke added “We received a high volume of feedback during the public consultation and revised our plans based on some observations. This process helped ensure we got our application correct and, in light of the extensive response received, took slightly longer than anticipated.“We look forward to continuing to share details of the plans and working closely with key stakeholders including Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council to bring our vision to reality.”Like what you’ve read?