Council could hand over stake in stadium to help safeguard its future

Senior Kirklees councillors will next week be asked to explore a new ownership structure for Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium to secure its long-term future.

Since it opened in 1993, the stadium has been managed by Kirklees Stadium Development Limited (KSDL), with shares held in the company by the council and the town’s two professional sports clubs, Huddersfield Town Association Football Club (HTAFC) and Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Football Club (HGRFLC).

In recent years, KSDL has faced difficult trading conditions and partners have been in discussions about putting the stadium on a firmer financial footing.

A recommendation to Kirklees Council’s Cabinet proposes that a new ownership model – where the council transfers its stake to the clubs – could bring much needed investment to the facility as well as giving the stadium a more sustainable business model.

In any of the proposed scenarios, the council would retain ownership of the stadium site.

Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Graham Turner, said: “A new ownership model could secure the stadium’s future, as well as going a long way to unlocking the wider economic potential of the surrounding area.”

In a joint statement on the future of stadium, the council, HTAFC and HGRLFC, added: “The stadium is at the heart of our community.

“Our clubs mean so much to people across Huddersfield and well beyond. But if the stadium is going to serve the community for the future, it needs investment and a financial platform that’s sustainable in the long-term.

“All partners are working together to find a way forward that suits everyone, especially supporters and future generations of fans.

“There’s a lot of detailed and complex issues to consider and a range of options open to us.”

The recommendation for the stadium will be considered at the next meeting of Kirklees Council’s Cabinet, on 21 December.