Potential suitors make bids to run Shay Stadium

Three organisations have put in bids to operate Halifax's Shay Stadium, Calderdale Council confirmed.

The Shay - home of FC Halifax Town and rugby league club Halifax Panthers - was set to be sold to Ken Davy earlier this year, to help balance the council's books.

However, following criticism from campaigners about the decision, the Huddersfield Giants owner pulled out of the sale.

Expressions of interest have been received from local property consultants Stewart and Beverly Charnock-Bates, Roxor Group owner Tony Wood and a consortium of Halifax Panthers directors.

Stewart and Beverly Charnock-Bates have proposed a community asset transfer to a not-for-profit organisation with professional direction.

Roxor chief Wood proposed establishing a community trust to operate the stadium.

Meanwhile, the Halifax Panthers directors suggested a collaboration with other groups and key stakeholders to run the stadium.

Any proposed options would be subject to thorough evaluation for a decision to be made at the meeting of cabinet in October, the authority said.

At a meeting on Monday, councillors were told a task group had been set up, led by Mike Payne, cabinet member for corporate services, assets and resources, to carry out a full review of operations.

They heard this would likely involve some form of external investment to make The Shay a more commercial operation and provide a "sustainable long-term future".

Payne said: "We want to reassure supporters that there are no plans for the council to withdraw from its operation of the stadium.

"However, it clearly isn't viable for the current level of expenditure to continue without adequate resourcing.

"The Shay is now operating without a defined budget which is contributing towards a wider council overspend."

He added he was "confident" a positive solution would be found.

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