Reports: Huddersfield Giants could lose their 20% stake in stadium as “operational control” heads to Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Giants could be about to lose their role in control of the John Smith’s Stadium.

The Giants currently control 20% of Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL) with 40% controlled by football team Huddersfield Town with the final 40% is owned by the local council who now believe now believe “full operational control” should go to Huddersfield Town to avert the financial issues which were cited in March and has been worsened by the energy crisis culminating in “serious cashflow issues.”

This is according to Huddersfield Hub who revealed that the council stated:

“This is an unfortunate situation, where the options now available are quite limited and the needs of the council need to be balanced against those of the occupiers of the stadium.

“Some decisions taken in respect of the stadium, at its formation and more recently were, with hindsight, not in the best interests of KSDL or of the council.

“It is important now to seek to achieve a solution which resolves some of the historical issues and creates a potentially sustainable solution to enable professional sport to continue to be played at the stadium, whilst not creating an ongoing liability for the council.

“A form of statutory resolution (administration) will arise if no other action is taken. The most sustainable solution seems to be to look to negotiate a revised operating arrangement with HTAFC as the major existing stadium occupier, whereby they take on full responsibility, and offer opportunity for continuing use by HRLFC (Giants).

“Achieving such a solution will involve the council and some other debtors agreeing to write off the historical liabilities.”

The move has the support of Graham Turner, Cabinet member for regeneration and growth, who said: “I am fully supportive of the recommendations contained in this report.

“KSDL has been an important part of the development of the stadium site and has, over the years, served the residents of Kirklees well.

“However, what was right all those years ago when KSDL was set up is now not the right way to operate the stadium complex and a different operating model should be adopted.

“This report sets out the preferred option and I am sure that the proposals to negotiate with the football club to become a long-term lease holder will help secure the stadium and allow it to develop and flourish in the coming years.

“The interests of all those who use the facilities at the stadium will be protected as the final negotiations take place.

“I would like to thank the current board of KSDL and all past members for the hard work and commitment they have shown over the years, especially given some of the challenges we have seen over the last 25 years.”