It had been planned to finish the East Stand with seats, a banquet room and hospitality boxes by May.

But now contractors say it will be October before the £4.5 million scheme is wrapped up. Council leader Stephen Baines said: "The council agreed in July to fund additional work on the stand over and above the original scheme.

"Because we are doing more, including clad-ding the south annex and fitting out space for the University Centre, this has extended the duration of the work. He said negotiations would continue with the contractor – Hall Construction – to try to speed things up.

He said: "October has been given as a latest date for completion, which means there is still potential for the scheme to finish sooner.

"Once completed this will be a real asset. It is important to make sure it is absolutely right."

The council hopes to get some of the capital back when other parts of the 13-acre site are sold for commercial use such as offices and housing. A total of 3,500 seats are to be fitted into the stand, along with changing rooms, toilets, a control room, offices and retail space, with classrooms to be used by Calderdale College and Leeds University.

Hall Construction began clearing the site last month and ultimately it will involve the demolition of the Weavers Bar.

The old East Stand was pulled down in 2000 and work on a replacement ground to a halt soon after.