Oxford United say future of club ‘at risk’ as lease agreement still to be signed

OXFORD United say the future of the club is ‘at risk’ as the lease agreement for their proposed new stadium is still to be signed.

At a meeting on September 19, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved in principle the lease of land at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, to develop a new stadium.

However, more than six months later, the heads of terms remain unsigned, as reported by BBC Radio Oxford earlier today.

READ ALSO: Oxford United report loss of more than £6m for financial year

A county council spokesperson said: “The council remains in ongoing dialogue with the football club as regards heads of terms.

“However, the club does have an agreement in principle in writing subject to the conditions set out by cabinet.

“It is standard procedure for large developments that a sale or lease is not completed until after planning has been granted and financial institutions would fully understand this process.”

United said in a statement: “In response to the council’s statement, to confirm, we do not have any of the legal agreements concluded.

“Six months after pledging to commit to a lease on the land at The Triangle, the heads of terms and lease agreement have been agreed by the club but remain unsigned by the council.

“We need the heads of terms and lease option with appropriate conditions signed as this is causing serious delay and is putting the project and the very future of the club at risk.”