Stadium future up for debate as council withdraws from running the site

The future of the Shay Stadium in Halifax will be considered at the next meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on 17 March.

This comes after the council agreed 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 running costs and health and safety needs.

Following discussions with interested parties, including FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers rugby league club, two proposals for the Shay are being presented to the council’s Cabinet.

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 “Shay Stadium Working Group” made up of supporters has submitted an initial business proposal to run the stadium as a not-for-profit entity who would lease The Shay. This proposal would require an ongoing financial commitment from the council.

Council officers have recommended that Cabinet should agree to proceed with the proposals put forward by Davy.

Officers advise benefits of this proposal include: a newly refreshed and modernised stadium for sports and community use; provision of a new hybrid pitch; access to Super League rugby for Calderdale residents; and retail opportunities for local businesses through additional events and increased attendance.

This proposal requires the council and the two professional clubs to commit towards initial investment for a Football Foundation grant that will provide for the replacement of the current pitch with a new hybrid pitch.

The council contribution towards the pitch replacement is likely to be in the region of £130,000. The proposal makes provision for interest free loans to be made by Davy to the two professional clubs to help meet the costs of the pitch replacement.

If Davy’s proposals go ahead, the new hybrid pitch at the Shay would be constructed from summer 2025, to minimise the disruption to FC Halifax Town during the 2025/26 playing season and to prepare the ground for the relocation of the Huddersfield Giants in 2026.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, Councillor Danielle Durrans, said: “Although major financial pressures mean it’s no longer possible for the council to continue the running of the Shay Stadium, we understand how important this facility is for people in the borough.

“We’re committed to securing a bright future for the stadium, with the many benefits that local sports teams bring to the borough.

“In discussing proposals for the Shay’s future, we want to ensure we can provide a long-term solution that will inspire the proud clubs of FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers and support their on-field success.”