Council has 'major task on its hands' now future of Halifax's Shay Stadium in question

The Courier revealed yesterday that Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy had decided to withdraw his bid for the Halifax sports stadium, saying it had been made “abundantly clear” from a small minority of people that his involvement in the stadium was not welcome.

Kate Dearden has now called on Calderdale Council to ensure a future for the site – home to FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers – which provides security to both clubs and “brings fans along”.

But she also warned the council – now run by Reform - needed to be “up front” with residents on how, if the council continued to run The Shay, that would impact council services.

"While the negotiations with Ken will now conclude, there is still a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the Shay Stadium, as well as FC Halifax Town and the Halifax Panthers,” said Ms Dearden.

"Throughout this process my number one priority has been ensuring the future of both clubs for many years to come at the Shay, and the involvement of fans’ voices in any future partnership.

"I have also been keen to ensure that any deal about The Shay has a viable business plan that can provide the investment the stadium clearly needs.

"The council now has a major task on its hands. It must find a way forward which secures that investment in The Shay and security for both clubs, and it must bring fans along with it on that journey.

"It must also be up front with Calderdale residents on the possible trade-offs, including the difficult choices which will need to be made if they choose to continue running the Shay.

"I will be seeking a meeting with Calderdale Council at the earliest opportunity to discuss next steps.”

Calderdale Reform had said reviewing the sale of the stadium would be one of its first priorities when it took over the running of Calderdale Council last month.

The party posted yesterday: “The current plans for the sale of the Shay Stadium have been stopped. Members of the Calderdale Council cabinet have already met today to discuss next steps.”

Calderdale Council’s previous Labour administration agreed to divest itself of The Shay – and the cost of its upkeep - in 2024 as part of a need to save cash.

Mr Davy said yesterday he had hoped to develop The Shay into a “truly multisport centre for the community of Calderdale as a whole, rather than just the around six per cent who currently use it to attend rugby or football matches”.

He had wanted the Giants to play at The Shay temporarily while a new ground for them was built.

He said he would invest between £2m and £4m in upgrading The Shay to Super League standards, and then intended to sell the stadium to FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers once the Giants moved out.

The sale had been opposed by some and two community bids were launched in opposition to Mr Davy’s takeover, but both were then withdrawn.

Campaign group Friends of the Shay said last month they had engaged legal teams to challenge the decision to dispose of the stadium.