EFL club get update on £130m stadium as decision nears after warning they could cease to exist without new ground

Scottish Sun

4 days ago

OXFORD UNITED have released an update on their quest for a new stadium.
The U's warned earlier this month they could cease to exist if plans for a proposed 16,000-seater arena are not approved.
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Oxford United have given an update on their proposed new stadium
Credit: PA
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The U's are still waiting for permission to build the 16,000-seat arena
Credit: Oxford United football club
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The Championship club have warned they could cease to exist if they don't have a home
Credit: Oxford United football club
Oxford are hoping to build a new ground on land known as the Triangle, near Kidlington on the outskirts of the city.
The club currently play at the Kassam Stadium, with their lease set to expire in 2026.
Last month, Oxford confirmed they had negotiated a two-year extension with Fikora Group, the stadium owners.
But they are still waiting for confirmation that they can start construction on the Triangle from Cherwell District Council.
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Oxford announced on Tuesday that the council were now in the "final stages" of their report into the proposal.
In a statement, the club wrote: "Oxford United can confirm that Cherwell District Council planning department are in the final stages of completing their report for the new stadium proposals.
"Following the latest review, the Club are continuing to work with the Council's team with the aim of securing a positive recommendation for the development plans.
"Oxford United's planning application will be heard by the Cherwell District Council planning committee on 31 July."
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Jonathon Clarke, Oxford's Development Director, added: 'With the recent review showing our responses are nearly complete, we can all focus on securing a positive recommendation for our plans.
"We have made it very clear that meeting the July planning committee date is critical if the Club are to maintain the required timeline to secure our future."
Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms
A decision on the proposals had been expected earlier this year, but has been hit with delays.
Oxford CEO Tim Williams issued a stark warning over the future of the Championship club earlier this month.
Williams told Sky Sports: "When our lease at the Kassam Stadium runs out, we won't have a home and a stadium to play in.
"If we don't have a stadium, there is a risk we won't have a football club.
"It doesn't get more serious than that.
"We have seen headlines recently about a new Manchester United stadium, which with all due respect is a want and not a need.
"If Manchester United don't move out, they still have Old Trafford.
"If Everton hadn't moved into Bramley Moor-Dock, they've still got Goodison.
"If we don't move into a new stadium, we are homeless and we don't exist and it's an absolute travesty in my view."
The U's estimate their £130million stadium plans will create around 1,000 new jobs and add £32m a year to the local economy.
First unveiled in 2023, the stadium will include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre, community plaza and would be the UK's first all-electric ground.