Calderdale Council is sticking to its guns in face of criticism, arguing selling The Shay is the option “most likely to lead to sustained investment and improvement” of the stadium.

Objectors including some supporters particularly of football’s FC Halifax Town, one of the two professional clubs using Halifax’s major sports ground alongside rugby league’s Halifax Panthers, have questioned why the ground needs to be sold.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet confirmed earlier in the autumn that a sale to Ken Davy, owner of another professional sports club, rugby league’s Huddersfield Giants, is the option being pursued for the stadium’s future.

All three clubs would ground-share.

An overhead view of The Shay stadium, Halifax, where a new pitch and drainage has been laid. Photo: Calderdale Council

placeholder image — An overhead view of The Shay stadium, Halifax, where a new pitch and drainage has been laid. Photo: Calderdale Council

The council agreed to divest itself of The Shay, and cost of its upkeep, in budget proposals approved in 2024, against a backdrop of having to find savings each year to balance the books.

In a questions-to-cabinet session, members of the public concerned about the ground’s future after Mr Davy leaves it – he has indicated he would only expect his club to play there for a few years while a ground is purpose-built for the Giants in Kirklees – senior councillors ruled out retaining the freehold of The Shay.

Sam Barnes noted neighbours Kirklees Council recently granted Huddersfield Town football club a 300-year leasehold of the Accu Stadium, allowing the club to assume full operational control while the council retains the freehold.

“By contrast, Calderdale Council is going ahead with disposing of The Shay Stadium for a nominal value.

“Given that the Huddersfield model achieves financial sustainability, investment potential and continued public ownership, why has Calderdale Council not considered a similar long-term leasehold approach, ensuring long-term security of the stadium rather than an obscure future?” he said.

Responding, cabinet member for resources, Coun Silvia Dacre, said discussions with the two clubs which play at The Shay had been “unsuccessful” and two proposals were received, one from group of supporters seeking a leasehold arrangement to a trust (this was later withdrawn by the group) and Mr Davy’s, wanting to acquire the freehold of the stadium.

Coun Dacre (Lab, Todmorden) said: “Mr Davy made clear that he was not interested in a long-term lease of the stadium.

“Cabinet considered the merits of both proposals at length at a meeting in March (2025) where it was determined that the option most likely to lead to sustained investment and improvement of the stadium was the proposal submitted by Mr Ken Davy,” she said.

Responding to a question from Richard Walsh about legally binding agreements or contractual safeguards included in the transfer of The Shay to Mr Davy, to ensure he delivers promised investment and development, cabinet member for public services and communities, Coun Danielle Durrans, said final terms of sale had not yet been agreed.

Mr Walsh had asked: “If he fails to meet those commitments, what specific enforcement mechanisms will the council have to hold him accountable?”

Coun Durrans (Lab, Ovenden) said in addition to a restrictive covenant – to ensure continued sports use at the stadium – the council would also be looking to put a “positive covenant” in the transfer document in respect of proposed works.

“Ken Davy has strong incentives to invest in The Shay as it must be of a standard to allow Huddersfield Giants to remain in Super League,” she said.

“Not implementing improvements would be self-defeating.

“He has nothing to gain by not undertaking them.”