Not-for-profit organisation announces Halifax Shay Stadium bid
It would provide an alternative to the ground being sold to Huddersfield Giants' owner Ken Davy
A not-for-profit organisation is throwing its hat into the ring in the bidding to take over the Shay Stadium – home to Halifax’s professional football and ruby league clubs – from Calderdale Council.
In March, senior Calderdale councillors agreed the freehold and surrounding land of the Shay Stadium, Halifax, should be sold to Huddersfield Giants rugby league club owner Ken Davy in order to divest itself of the ground, a budget decision agreed by the cash-strapped council last year.
It is home to football’s FC Halifax Town and rugby league’s Halifax Panthers.
Mr Davy wants to develop the ground and place his rugby league Super League club Huddersfield Giants to play at The Shay while a new ground is built in Kirklees for that side.
But as the stadium had been designated an asset of community value, a period of time had to be allowed for other bids to be lodged in light of that.
The Shay Community Stadium LTD has formally announced its intention to bid for the stadium.
The group says it now has until October 3 to develop a detailed plan and secure the funding which will be needed to make this vision a reality.
Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Services, Ian Day, confirmed the bid had been received.
“The Shay Stadium is registered as an asset of community value and the six week period where groups can submit an expression of interest is currently under way.
“We can confirm that we have received a bid as part of this process and will consider this, and any other bids received.
“Anyone submitting an interest will have until Friday, October 3, to develop and submit a detailed business case.
“Expressions of interest will then be considered by the council’s Cabinet.”
The Shay Community Stadium LTD say they are now reaching out to everyone in Calderdale – local residents, businesses, and community groups – to help shape the future of The Shay.
“Your ideas, your energy, and your involvement are vital,” they say.
The new group says they will also be utilising the support of other organisations, such as Locality, whose support, expertise and experience will be invaluable.
They are also appealing to individuals from the local community who feel they have the skills and experience to support the bid to get in touch.
Initially people are asked to contact the group by email – [email protected] – to do this.
A director of The Shay Community Stadium LTD, Shaun Metcalfe, said the group was delighted to announce the bid.
For generations The Shay has been more than just a stadium but “also a place where families, friends, and neighbours from across Calderdale and beyond come together, says the group.
“It is where memories are made; where local heroes inspire us, and where the true spirit of our community shines.
“We know how much The Shay, along with our two sporting clubs, means to the borough, and we are determined to keep it at the heart of our community.
“This is a rare opportunity for us all to shape the future of The Shay together and ensure it remains a welcoming place for everyone,” says the group’s statement.
As a not-for-profit organisation, they say their goal is simple – to keep The Shay thriving for the people who love it most.
They say they are committed to maintaining and improving the stadium’s facilities, supporting its continued use by Halifax Panthers, FC Halifax Town and the wider community and pledge “every surplus penny will be reinvested into the stadium’s facilities, making The Shay more accessible, welcoming, and vibrant for all.”
Mr Metcalfe said: “We believe The Shay is the beating heart of Halifax, a place where our community comes together to celebrate, to support, and to belong.
“The prospect of The Shay being lost to private ownership should not be a consideration, so we want to explore other options, working hand in hand with the council, supporters, residents, and local groups to ensure The Shay continues to be a source of pride and unity for Calderdale.
“Whilst we are under no illusions about the complex and challenging task ahead, it is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the stadium, ensure wider-community use and safeguard it as a home for our clubs.”