Decision details

In March 2021 Cabinet approved amended arrangements in relation to arrangements for the standalone stadium management and development business (Kirklees Stadium Development Limited or KSDL) that manages the stadium for the benefit of the two professional sports clubs and the community. This approved an option to address stadium operational investment requirements over the next 25 years, a future operational model intended to be financially sustainable, recognising the community aspects of the stadium, and contributions to regeneration.

Changes in the other partners within KSDL, and their aspirations, may necessitate a restructuring of the preferred model.     

Cabinet will be asked to endorse revisions to the previously approved operating model necessary to meet the now expressed aspirations of the professional sports clubs, to meet necessary capital investments to the premises. This may necessitate amended arrangements as regards the relationships of the parties, with amended financial commitments.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the Strategic Director (Growth and Regeneration) in consultation with the Chief Executive, Service Director (Finance), Service Director (Legal, Governance and Commissioning), Cabinet Members for Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services to:-

1)    Conduct negotiations with the current principal occupier- Huddersfield Town Association Football Club (HTAFC), with a view to HTAFC taking full operational control of the facility.

2)    Conduct negotiations with other current leaseholders, etc as necessary

3)    Agree terms that involve an element of debt write off (as detailed in the exempt appendix to the report) to facilitate such an agreement.

4)    Enter into such any agreements on the Council’s behalf necessary to give effect to such an agreement if they are satisfied with such outcomes.