FC Halifax Town face Shay Stadium limbo as council delays final decision

The future of Shay Stadium, home to FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers, will remain uncertain until at least 2027 after Calderdale Council delayed a final decision on its long-term operator. Council leaders confirmed they need up to six more months to evaluate two competing proposals for the venue's management, extending a period of limbo that has lasted over two and a half years.

Council Leader Dan Sutherland said it was difficult not to reach a conclusion now but stressed the importance of making a choice that would last for a century rather than rushing. He emphasised the cabinet's ongoing commitment to The Shay and the professional sports played there. Cabinet member for Public Services, Peter Hunt, outlined that only two bids have advanced to final consideration after others were ruled out for missing deadlines or late submission.

Two proposals advance to final consideration

One proposal is led by local business people Stewart and Beverly Charnock Bates through a Community Benefit Society. It seeks a 125-year lease at a peppercorn rent to establish community ownership on a not-for-profit basis. This plan includes a democratic membership structure regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and an asset lock to reinvest any surpluses. It estimates needing around £890,000 for essential safety works in the first year and would require the council to cover approximately £750,000 in operating costs during that initial period.

The rival bid comes from the Community Stadium Consortium, comprising business figures Jas Chatha, Ben Walker and John Coulter. Their model involves a community interest company for day-to-day operations and a private investment company to attract funding for regeneration. Their vision includes phased enhancements to the East Stand, a community sports hub, a wellness centre, and the potential redevelopment of the West Stand with a hotel and commercial ventures.

Council weighs community model against commercial plan

Councillor Hunt noted key differences, cautioning that the consortium's commercial development plans, while ambitious, are untested and could affect the site's value and may not meet the council's best value requirements. The Bates proposal, focused on community stewardship, would see the council shoulder significant initial costs before aiming for a break-even position. A production brief for the site, which could take six months to complete, is now deemed necessary, and specialist guidance will likely be required to assess the full impact of each option.

This delay comes as FC Halifax Town prepare for their next National League fixture, sitting 13th in the table with 17 points from 12 games. Their recent form reads two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five outings. The club's current standings position reflects a solid if unspectacular start to the campaign.

Council leaders, representing the Reform UK administration which took control in May's local elections, have stressed that getting this decision right for the long term is more important than speed. The final decision on which organisation will secure the long-term lease of Shay Stadium is now expected in approximately six months, with the next cabinet meeting unlikely to resolve the issue before 2027.

More detail at Yorkshire Live