Stadium could be in line for a multi-million pound investment

A proposed multi-million pound investment into Halifax could boost professional sports facilities in the town.

Calderdale Council has been discussing the future of the Shay Stadium in Halifax with FC Halifax Town, Halifax Panthers RLFC and other interested parties.

The council agreed in February 2024 to stop running the stadium by 1 April 2025 to save £161,000 per year, and to remove the additional annual cost of up to £500,000 to meet the stadium’s health and safety needs.

The council is due to consider two proposals for the stadium’s future at a Cabinet meeting in March 2025.

Ken Davy, owner of Huddersfield Giants rugby league club, has expressed interest in buying the Shay so the Giants can play there temporarily from 2026, while a new stadium is built for them in Huddersfield.

Also, a group of FC Halifax Town supporters has submitted an initial business proposal to run the stadium.

If approved, Davy’s proposal would see major investment in upgrading the Shay to Super League standard, and would ensure it could continue to be used by FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers in the long-term.

Upgrades would include a new hybrid pitch with improved surface and drainage quality, which would be more resilient to the weather and would increase reliability for games.

The installation of the pitch would be supported by the Premier League and external grants.

Further upgrades funded by Davy would include health and safety works, improved toilets, new modern, energy-efficient LED lighting to replace the floodlights, an electronic scoreboard and electronic digital perimeter advertising.

If Davy’s proposals went ahead, the new hybrid pitch at the Shay would be constructed from summer 2025.

The Shay Stadium has been registered as an Asset of Community Value, giving community interest groups the chance to express interest in buying the site.

The FC Halifax Town supporters’ group’s initial proposal to run the stadium would require ongoing financial commitment from Calderdale Council, so the council has asked for more detailed information from the group.

Councillor Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s leader, said: “The council is a strong supporter of sports, physical activity and the community spirit that comes from following local teams, so we are committed to the future of the stadium.

“Major financial pressures mean we’re having to make tough budget decisions and can no longer run the Shay.

“In the proposals we’ve received to take on management of the stadium, we’ve seen great commitment to the future of Halifax and professional sports facilities.

“We will be considering all options thoroughly before making a decision in March 2025.”

Davy, chairman of Huddersfield Giants, said: “I am excited by the opportunity to work with FC Halifax Town, Halifax Panthers and Calderdale Council, on the potential upgrading of the Shay to make it into an outstanding Community Stadium facility for the benefit of all.

“I believe that bringing it up to Super League standard would dramatically improve the match day experience for spectators and encourage more fans to support both FC Halifax and the Panthers.

“From the Giants’ perspective, whilst the upgrading of the Shay would be costly, it could be the ideal interim solution for us whilst we progress plans for a new stadium in Huddersfield.”

Damian Clayton, chief executive officer of Halifax Panthers said: “We remain optimistic about the future of the Shay Stadium and are committed to working collaboratively with Calderdale Council, FC Halifax Town, and Mr Davy to explore all opportunities.

“We believe the Shay has the potential to evolve into a vibrant community hub, securing the longevity of professional sport played here while promoting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.”

David Bosomworth, chairman of FC Halifax Town, added: “Over the course of the next two months until the appropriate Cabinet meeting in March, it is expected more detailed discussions will take place when clarity on any proposals allows decisions to be made.

“Investment during these difficult financial times is hopefully a good news story for the council, the two Halifax clubs and the community as a whole.”