HALIFAX PANTHERS chief executive Damian Clayton says the club is willing to explore all opportunities to secure the future of The Shay, where they have played since 1998.
Current owners Calderdale Council want to offload the town-centre venue, where the Panthers are co-tenants with football club FC Halifax Town, as part of a cost-cutting drive.
Ken Davy, the owner and chairman of neighbours Huddersfield Giants, wants to buy the ground and move his club there from 2026 until a new stadium in their own town can be built.
Davy wants to invest in The Shay in order to bring it up to Super League standard and make it a community asset.
The work would include the replacement of a current pitch prone to waterlogging with a hybrid version robust enough to support its use by three teams.
When the Giants have their own stadium back in Huddersfield, Davy says The Shay would be made available for purchase, including to the Panthers and FC Halifax Town, individually or collectively.
Meanwhile a group of Halifax-based individuals want to develop the venue for use by the community as well as the two tenant clubs.
The rival proposals will go before a Council cabinet meeting in March, and Clayton said: “We remain optimistic about the future of The Shay and are committed to working collaboratively with Calderdale Council, FC Halifax Town, and Mr Davy to explore all opportunities.
“We believe The Shay has the potential to evolve into a vibrant community hub, securing the longevity of professional sport played there while promoting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
“Alongside these discussions, we are diligently working to fully substantiate the details within our own business plan, ensuring we have a robust contingency in place.”