HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS CLOSE TO IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL SITE FOR NEW STADIUM IN HUDDERSFIELD
Within Huddersfield, the Huddersfield Giants are reportedly nearing the discovery of a possible location for a new stadium.
Ken Davy, the owner and chairman of the Giants, claims to have “two or three” possible locations under
consideration, one of which may be nearing the “pre-planning application” stage.
In order to get council planners’ input, developers use a pre-planning application. It’s an unofficial procedure that
might or might not result in a complete planning application.
The Giants have been searching for a possible new location for the past three years in an effort to depart John
Smith’s Stadium.
A return to the club’s historic home, Fartown, proved too problematic due to its location in a densely populated
residential area, and the council has designated the former gasworks site behind John Smith’s Stadium for economic
development, so the club’s preferred option—the site—was not viable. Meanwhile, Mr. Davy is in negotiations with
Calderdale Council to purchase The Shay stadium in Halifax as a temporary home for the Giants starting in 2026.
Ken Davy made a presentation to club legend Eorl Crabtree as he moves on after 25 years at the Giants
According to Mr. Davy, there are “two or three Huddersfield sites” that may be used for a new stadium, one of which
is nearing a pre-planning application.
“We are hopeful that one of the options we are considering will work, but it is becoming more and more clear that
locating the ideal location for the new stadium is a very challenging and time-consuming task,” he stated.
These things take a lot longer than anyone thinks, according to history. Although nothing is simple, we are
nevertheless making progress as quickly and efficiently as we can.
A deal to hand over control of the John Smith’s Stadium to Huddersfield Town is still yet to be concluded, though
agreement is said to have been reached between Kirklees Council, Town and the Giants.
The only thing left to do is for the lawyers to complete the paperwork, which may take some time.
The Giants might remain in John Smith’s Stadium indefinitely, but Mr. Davy is adamant that the team must move on.
With only about 5,000 people in a stadium that can hold 24,000, Giants home games don’t provide a great
atmosphere for fans.
In order to upgrade the surface to Super League standards, Mr Davy is currently in discussions with Calderdale
Council about purchasing The Shay and making improvements to the pitch and amenities.
Like Kirklees with John Smith’s Stadium, Calderdale Council views The Shay as a liability. Neither can spend public
funds on upkeep, repairs, or improvements.
Although Calderdale Council has stated that it intends to cease operations at The Shay on April 1, 2025, it is doubtful
that an outright sale to Mr. Davy could be finalised in such a short period of time. A contract might be signed in the
summer or perhaps the autumn.
“We have had very constructive discussions with Calderdale Council,” Mr. Davy stated. Though slowly, things are
moving forward.
Mr Davy has also stressed that The Shay would only be a temporary home for the Giants and there was no desire to
leave Huddersfield for good.
We are glad to offer FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers, either separately or together, the opportunity to
purchase the stadium when we return to Huddersfield, he continued. “We have no ambition to be the long-term
owners of The Shay.”
“The changes we plan to implement should help both clubs get more support and revenue from sponsors and
advertisers. They may also be able to draw in new investors.”
“I think it will be a great conclusion for The Shay’s long-term future, the two Halifax teams, and the larger Calderdale
community if I get engaged with them, which I hope will be achievable.
“It’s a win, win, win.”
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