Huddersfield Giants owner outlines stadium purchase plan as competition emerges

Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy has outlined his vision for The Shay, but it seems he’s not the only one interested in the stadium. In a statement published on the Huddersfield website, Davy outlined his hope to acquire the home of Halifax Panthers and Halifax Town with the aim of using it as a temporary ground for the Giants.

Davy has spoken regularly about his desire to leave the John Smith’s Stadium, which is regarded as too big for the Giants, and move to a purpose built ground. Davy sees The Shay as a temporary solution, though, with his proposal seeing Huddersfield make the move across the M62 from 2026 until their new stadium is ready.

As part of the deal, he plans to invest substantially into the ground’s infrastructure and facilities in order to bring it up to Super League standards. However, according to the Halifax Courier, he faces competition for the stadium with a group of Halifax Town supporters, who have put forward a bid to run their club’s home ground. Calderdale Council will consider both options at a cabinet meeting in March.

Providing an update on his intentions, Davy told the Huddersfield Giants website: “I would also like to update you on our discussions regarding the ‘Shay’. I announced last year, that we were exploring the temporary use of the Shay with Calderdale Council.

“I will be saying more about all of this at the seasons opening Luncheon on the 17th January. In advance of that however, I would like to share with you that if, and presently it’s a big ‘if’, we acquire the Shay, it would be as a temporary home for the Giants until our hoped for new stadium in Huddersfield can be built.

“As such, the Shay would be totally upgraded to full Super League standards. This would involve extensive renovations and improvements to every aspect, from enhanced facilities for supporters, right through to state-of-the-art floodlighting and TV facilities and a new pitch.

“In addition, as you would expect, we will be providing improved transport facilities from Huddersfield directly to and from the Shay on match days. I look forward to sharing further updates on the 17th and in the coming months as this is a very fluid scenario which has the ultimate objective of building our own custom made venue in Huddersfield.”