Site huts, mechanical equipment and builders have taken residence and during the next few months, the partially built east stand will be completely transformed.

The roof will be stripped off to allow crane access and then refitted along with 3,500 seats and hospitality boxes.

Changing rooms, toilets, a control room, offices, shops and classrooms will be created beneath the stand.

But the biggest change will be the construction of a banquetting suite with up to 300 covers and a terrace overlooking the pitch, which will also be used for conferences.

The classrooms will be used by Calderdale College and Leeds Metropolitan University, which will be running courses for students studying sport and leisure subjects.

The ultimate aim is to increase the use of the stadium and make it economically viable.

Stadium project manager Duncan Farr said he expected the work to be completed by the end of May and for the capacity of the ground to be around 10,000.

The council has appointed Hall Construction Services Ltd to carry out the work - a firm currently involved in five major sports stadium developments including the Leigh Village Stadium in Lancashire and a new stadium for Shrewsbury Town FC.

Councillor Baines, the leader of the council, said: "We are investing £4.5 million because we are committed to supporting professional sport and creating healthier communities.

"By incorporating facilities for further education the council is also making a commitment to life-long learning for all."

He said it should help to bring about economic prosperity for the district with a community stadium that the people of Calderdale can be proud of.

The council's chief executive Owen Williams said when he was appointed in January that there would be no more delays on key projects: "I will be judged on what happens at the Shay, Broad Street and the Piece Hall."