Oxford United Football Club Stadium

Oxford United set out to build the UK’s first all-electric major stadium – a new 16,000-seat home designed for supporters and the wider community.

Alongside the stadium, the development delivers Oxfordshire’s largest conference facility, a 180-bed hotel, a restaurant and a health and wellbeing centre.

Securing the right site – and the right strategy

Finding a viable site in a constrained area of Oxfordshire was not straightforward. The Club needed a location that worked commercially, environmentally and politically.

We were engaged to lead the multidisciplinary effort to secure planning approval. Our planning consultants and project managers guided the site search, drawing on colleagues’ expertise across cost management, sustainability, transport planning, design services and health and safety.

In February 2024, we submitted a detailed planning application built around a clear ambition – a fully electric stadium with minimal impact on the national grid. Our sustainability team integrated 3,000m² of roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to reduce matchday demand. At the same time, our transport planners developed a strategy focused on Oxford Parkway station and strengthened bus links, reducing reliance on cars and easing pressure on local infrastructure.

This was about more than programme and budget control. It was about creating a stadium that works in the real world.

Planning with the community in mind

Community engagement shaped the scheme from the outset. We promoted public consultations, established an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working group and worked with local schools to provide work experience opportunities during the planning process.

The aim was not simply to secure consent, but to build trust. By listening early and responding clearly, we helped shape a proposal that reflected local priorities as well as the Club’s ambitions.

Planning approval secured

In August 2025, Cherwell District Council granted planning permission – a defining milestone for Oxford United.

The approved scheme delivers a fully electric stadium designed to operate with reduced carbon impact. Beyond matchdays, the wider development provides facilities the region can use throughout the year. The result is a sustainable sports and leisure destination that strengthens the Club’s future while contributing to Oxfordshire’s economy, environment and community life.

More than a stadium

This development goes beyond football. Alongside biodiversity net gain and new green public spaces, the scheme brings employment opportunities, inclusive engagement initiatives and facilities designed for everyday community use.

From first concept to approval, the focus has remained the same – create a stadium that serves Oxfordshire long after the final whistle.

Find out more about our interdisciplinary approach.