Three bidders to buy Shay Stadium invited to next stage
The Shay is home to Halifax’s professional sports clubs, football’s FC Halifax Town and rugby league’s Halifax Panthers.
Three potential bidders for running Halifax’s Shay Stadium are being invited to submit their proposals in greater detail as senior councillors move closer to making a decision about its future.
One of the initial three parties interesting in making their case – Halifax businessman Tony Wood – did not pursue their interest but with another throwing their hat into the ring, three options are being taken forward.
The Shay is home to Halifax’s professional sports clubs, football’s FC Halifax Town and rugby league’s Halifax Panthers.
It has been enveloped in a storm of controversy following the council’s decision to divest itself of the stadium, which officers say has an annual budget gap of £500,000.
But a controversial sale to Huddersfield Giants rugby league club owner Ken Davy fell through when Mr Davy decided to pull out, while a legal Judicial Review was being pursued over the former Cabinets decision to sell by some opponents of that course of action.
Calderdale’s new ruling Reform UK group were critical of the decision and have said they are seeking a solution that would protect the interests of the clubs playing there and the community interest in The Shay.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Corporate Services, Assents and Resources, Coun Mike Payne, said the Shay’s future is a matter of significant importance to supporters, residents, community organisations and the wider borough.
“Following an open process, expressions of interest have now been received from three organisations seeking to take a long-term role in the management and development of the stadium.
“Each proposal offers a different vision for The Shay but all recognise its importance as a valued community asset,” he said.
Coun Payne (Reform UK, Sowerby Bridge) said the first proposal, in order of the timing of proposals being received, was on behalf of Calderdale Community Stadium Consortium, which is led by three directors of Halifax Panthers.
“They’re seeking a long-term lease supported by a phased transition process.
“Their proposal aims to transform The Shay into a seven-day-a-week destination that serves not only the professional clubs but also the wider community.
“Their vision includes expanded opportunities for community sport, education, health and well-being initiatives, business activity, leisure uses and broader regeneration benefits for the whole of the area,” he said.
Coun Payne said the second proposal is from Halifax FC Women’s Club – this was not one of the expressions of interest outlined at a previous meeting but submitted when further proposals were invited, and has been received in partnership with an advisory group based in Dubai.
“They have submitted a proposal for a long-term lease that would establish The Shay as a permanent home for women’s football in Halifax while creating an inclusive, multi-purpose community hub.
“The proposal places a strong emphasis on community use, with ambitions to provide facilities and opportunities for health programmes, educational activities, events and wider community engagement across the borough,” he said.
Coun Payne said the third proposal is from Halifax business people Stewart and Beverly Charnock-Bates, expressing their interest through a proposed community benefit society model.
“Their approach centres on operating The Shay on a not-for-profit basis with a focus on securing the stadium’s long-term future while increasing community access and the proposal highlights a commitment to delivering measurable social, economic and environmental benefits, ensuring that community outcomes remain at the heart of this stadium’s operation and development,” he said.
Proposals will be reviewed by Coun Payne and Cabinet member for Public Services, Coun Peter Hunt (Reform UK, Elland) supported by relevant council officers considering a range of factors including financial viability, commitment to the clubs currently playing at The Shay, community engagement, spectator experience and the overall approach to operating the stadium.
Coun Payne said: “Bidding organisations will be invited to present their proposals in greater detail to ensure decision-makers have a full understanding of each and the benefits they could bring to Calderdale.”
He said the council has made clear that transparency will be a key principle throughout the process – questions and challenges have been raised regarding aspects of the proposed disposal and the council has indicated that special external advice might be sought when necessary.
Coun Payne said this was to ensure that all legal and technical considerations are fully understood before a final decision is taken, relating to the disposal process and open space issues, and the need for any further moratorium.
“The preferred route remains a long-term lease arrangement, but any recommendation to Cabinet will be based on a careful assessment of the evidence, due diligence and extent to which proposals secure the future of professional sport while delivering lasting community benefit.
“Supporters, residents and community stakeholders will rightly expect a process that is fair, accountable and focused on the long-term outcome for The Shay and Calderdale as a whole.
“Ultimately, the decision will not be about who operates the stadium but which proposal can best safeguard The Shay’s future, strengthen its role within the community and provide a sustainable legacy for future generations,” he said.
Cabinet hopes the future of The Shay might be settled possibly by early October.