Kirklees Council is under increasing pressure to surrender the gasworks site for the new stadium for the Huddersfield Giants.

In order for the Huddersfield Giants to construct a new stadium, Kirklees Council is under increasing pressure to relinquish the gasworks land.

The site, which the council views as essential to its strategy for economic growth, is the source of contention between Kirklees Council and Giants owner Ken Davy.

The undeveloped area off St Andrew’s Road close to Accu Stadium is a key component of the council’s Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor and an investment zone for health technology and innovation.

Mr. Davy wants the Giants to move out of Accu Stadium and construct a new stadium with 8,000 seats somewhere in the city.

 

According to him, the only viable site is the old gasworks, which is currently being utilized as a makeshift parking lot.

As part of an agreement to transfer stadium administration to Huddersfield Town, the municipality will acquire the land from Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd., the same company that owns the Accu Stadium.

 

During this week’s full Kirklees Council meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall, the issue of the gasworks site was brought up.

 

The council was encouraged by Clr. Cahal Burke (Lib Dem, Lindley) to engage with the Giants and carefully evaluate the potential benefits of the gasworks site.

“I wholeheartedly endorse initiatives to boost innovation and draw investment to Huddersfield,” he said.

However, I believe we now have a very serious and urgent chance because of the public’s interest in the Huddersfield Giants owner’s plan.

It should be given careful, unbiased thought rather than being categorically dismissed. Instead of closing the door before the potential is fully tested, will the council take the initiative to facilitate that dialogue?

“The parties involved clearly support this idea, which is serious and deliverable.” Innovation and health are not in competition with it. It can be a complement.

“Research and business can coexist in a stadium devoted to professional sports, community use, and wellness.” Collaboration, not exclusion, is the goal here.

“Transferring the Giants will enable Huddersfield Town to proceed with plans to develop the stadium and surrounding land, which will benefit the entire Huddersfield community,” said Clr Burke.

 

David Longstaff, a Giants season ticket supporter and Almondbury Lib Dem councillor, told the audience that the benefits of a smaller stadium were clear and that the Accu Stadium is too big for the Giants’ fan base.

The Giants played the Wigan Warriors at the home of the Dewsbury Rams during the Stereophonics concert at Accu Stadium in June, and they nearly shocked the “best team in Super League.”

“We are currently in danger of losing our Super League team,” said Clr. Longstaff. This new small stadium is much needed. Instead of impeding the Giants, let’s assist them in finding a home.

“Obviously, nobody wants to see the Giants leave Huddersfield,” said Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for finance and regeneration. Nobody wants to see them homeless.

But Ken Davy is the company’s owner. Although it is his responsibility to locate the space, Ken and I have been putting in a lot of effort to find one.

“I won’t go into specifics, but I can list a ton of websites that we’ve looked at together in an attempt to find a solution.”

According to Clr Turner, Mr. Davy was expected to be present at a significant Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd. board meeting on Friday of next week. Before that incident, he was unable to say anything more.

In the meantime, Mr. Davy is proceeding with his plans to buy Halifax’s The Shay Stadium, which will house the Giants temporarily while a new stadium is built in Huddersfield.

However, unless he receives planning approval for a new site in Huddersfield, he will not move the Giants from Accu Stadium.

Although Calderdale Council has agreed to sell the stadium to Mr. Davy, community organizations must be given the chance to present a different proposal because the Shay is a recognized Asset of Community Value.

The acquisition was put on hold when one group showed interest, however it appears that group has already withdrawn.

But according to a Calderdale Council representative, they haven’t heard officially that the statement of interest has been withdrawn yet.

At The Shay, a new field has been built, and Mr. Davy plans to bring the stadium up to Super League standards.