Oxford Sports Facility

Exeter College and Hertford College proposed to upgrade their shared sports grounds on Edgeway Road in Marston. The facility plans to be open to the whole community (planning application 24/02890/FUL). The plans would give Marston covered and outdoor padel courts, cricket nets, courts for basketball, netball and five a side, a golf simulator in the old squash court, a friendly cafe, restored pavilions, better disabled access and more green space with trees and wildflower meadows. The grass pitches would be available for hire, helping fund the site, and schools and charities would get free hours. The grounds would be open to residents and clubs all year round, with affordable pricing for all.
Getting there would be easy and healthy too, with the aim of helping people walk, cycle and scoot to the site on new footpaths and with proper cycle and scooter parking.
Oxford has long waits for court time and few affordable places to play. This site already hosts sport, so the proposal builds on something that exists and shares it with everyone. It would bring a tired, underused space back to life and create a welcoming place for families, young people and clubs to be active together.
Oxford City Planning Committee refused the application on 18 November 2025. A project with this much to offer local health, wellbeing and community life deserves to go ahead. This petition shows how many local people would welcome and use a community sports hub in Marston, and asks for the proposal to be supported.