Delivering a sustainable, community-focused future for football
THE ASPIRATION
A stadium with a vision
Oxford United Football Club, newly promoted to the EFL Championship, has set out an ambitious vision to create the UK’s first all-electric major stadium. More than just a home for 16,000 fans, the development will also house Oxfordshire’s largest conference facility, a 180-bed hotel, a restaurant and a health and wellbeing centre. However, finding a viable site in a constrained area and ensuring a sustainable, community-focused design presented significant challenges. The club needed a robust strategy to navigate planning complexities, environmental considerations and extensive stakeholder engagement.
OUR RESPONSE
Multidisciplinary expertise driving solutions
Our multidisciplinary team was engaged to support Oxford United in securing planning approval. Our Planning Consultants and Project Managers led the search for a sustainable and suitable site, leveraging expertise from our Cost Management, Design Services, Health and Safety, Transport Planning and Sustainability teams.
Navigating the complex planning landscape, we submitted a detailed application in February 2024, setting a framework that went beyond just budget and programme management. A key challenge was designing a fully electric stadium with minimal impact on the national grid. Our sustainability experts integrated 3,000m² of roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to reduce matchday loads. Meanwhile, our Transport Planners developed a sustainable transport strategy to optimise Oxford Parkway station and local bus networks, reducing reliance on cars.
Community engagement was integral. We facilitated public consultations, established an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) working group, and partnered with local schools to offer work experience opportunities during the planning process.
THE RESULT
A groundbreaking proposal
Planning permission was granted by Cherwell District Council in August 2025, marking a major milestone for Oxford United. Jonathan Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured this crucial step to safeguard the Club for generations to come. The Committee supported the recommendation of the Planning Officer and has approved our stadium plans. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ridge and Partners who has been fundamental in reaching this milestone. Their dedication and expertise have truly made the difference in securing the future of Oxford United.”
In October 2025, the Secretary of State confirmed that the application would not be called in, allowing the approval to stand and enabling the club to progress its all-electric stadium vision. With a compelling, sustainable proposal that aligns with Oxford United’s ambitions, we delivered a well-structured, strategic approach that has strengthened decision-making at every stage.
THE LASTING IMPACT
More than a stadium
This development is more than just a stadium – it is a community hub designed to bring lasting social, economic and environmental benefits. By prioritising biodiversity net gain and integrating green public spaces, our approach ensures long-term positive impacts for local residents. Our commitment to inclusivity and outreach, from work experience programmes to employment initiatives, is helping shape a development that truly serves the entire Oxfordshire community.
Find out more about our multidisciplinary approach.
