At the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 13 July, members received an update on the future of the Shay Stadium in Halifax.
Ensuring the long-term future of the Shay Stadium is one of the Council’s key priorities and following the decision by Ken Davy to withdraw his interest in the purchase of the Shay, discussions have been taking place to secure a sustainable financial solution to the running of the stadium.
A task group has been set up, led by Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Assets and Resources, Cllr Mike Payne, which will carry out a full review of operations, with all options considered. This is likely to involve some form of external investment to make the Shay a more commercial operation.
Cllr Payne, said:
“Halifax has a long tradition of sport, and we know how important F.C. Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers are to the town. As a supporter myself, I’m determined to ensure that the Shay Stadium has a sustainable long-term future, and we have been working hard to establish the best way forward to support our local professional football and rugby clubs.
“We want to reassure supporters that there are no plans for the Council to withdraw from its operation of the stadium. However, it clearly isn’t viable for the current level of expenditure to continue without adequate resourcing. The Shay is now operating without a defined budget which is contributing towards a wider Council overspend.
“We are confident that we will find a positive solution to the situation and have already received expressions of interest from local organisations who share our passion for ensuring that the stadium has a bright future, benefitting our sporting teams and the whole community.”
The three expressions of interest received so far are:
- Stewart and Beverly Charnock-Bates – proposing a community asset transfer to a not-for-profit community-led organisation with professional direction.
- Tony Wood, owner of Halifax–based Roxor Group – proposing to establish a Community Trust to operate the stadium.
- A consortium of Halifax Panthers directors – proposing a collaboration with other groups and key stakeholders.
Each submission will be expected to recognise the importance of the town’s professional sports clubs and ensuring the stadium remains at the heart of the local community.
These submissions will be carefully considered. Any other groups or organisations interested in the management and operation of the stadium, should contact the Council as soon as possible, with all expressions of interest on a specific template to be received by Sunday 2 August.
Any options which are proposed will then be subject to thorough evaluation in readiness for a decision to be made at the meeting of Cabinet in October 2026.