FC Halifax Town's Shay Stadium is at the center of a bidding war as three organizations vie to take over its operations. The council has confirmed expressions of interest from local property consultants Stewart and Beverly Charnock-Bates, a consortium of Halifax Panthers directors, and Roxor Group owner Tony Wood.
What happened?
The council had previously planned to sell the Shay Stadium to Ken Davy, but he pulled out of the sale following criticism from campaigners. The council has now received expressions of interest from three new organizations.
Why it matters for FC Halifax Town
The Shay Stadium is the home of FC Halifax Town and rugby league club Halifax Panthers. The stadium's future is uncertain, and the council is seeking a new operator to take over its operations.
What comes next?
The council will evaluate the bids and make a decision at a meeting in October. The new operator will be expected to make the stadium a more commercial operation and provide a sustainable long-term future.
FC Halifax Town is currently preparing for their next fixture against Boston United on February 16, 2027. The team is 15th in the table and will be looking to improve their position in the league.
The council's cabinet member for corporate services, assets, and resources, Mike 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."
Payne added that he was "confident" a positive solution would be found. The council has set up a task group to carry out a full review of operations and to evaluate the bids. The group will likely involve some form of external investment to make the stadium a more commercial operation and provide a sustainable long-term future.
The council has proposed a community asset transfer to a not-for-profit organization with professional direction. Roxor Group owner Tony Wood has proposed establishing a community trust to operate the stadium. The Halifax Panthers directors have suggested a collaboration with other groups and key stakeholders to run the stadium.
The council will evaluate the bids and make a decision at a meeting in October. The new operator will be expected to make the stadium a more commercial operation and provide a sustainable long-term future.
