Issue details

AMENDMENTS TO OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS: KIRKLEES STADIUM DEVELOPMENT LTD (UPDATE)

The decision achieves a council objective of disposing of its entire shareholding in KSDL and ceasing to be responsible for the operation of the Accu (formerly John Smith) Stadium (Leeds Road Huddersfield), other than as freeholder.

It will enable the Council to obtain possession and freehold ownership of the Gasworks Street site which is necessary for regeneration purposes.

The surrender of the Council’s lease of the Swimming pool facility will relieve it of liability under the lease to KSDL. The restructuring will mitigate the Council’s liabilities.  Various alternative structural changes have been considered previously, but these have not been successfully implemented. This arrangement has features that are advantageous over previous proposals.

 

Decision type: Non-key

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 22/09/2025

Anticipated restriction: Part exempt  -

Decision due: 18 Sep 2025 by Executive Director for Place

Lead member: Portfolio Holder - Transport and Housing

Lead director: Executive Director for Place

Department: Finance and Regeneration

Contact: Martin Dearnley, Head of Risk - Internal Audit & Risk Management 01484 221000 Email: martin.dearnley@kirklees.gov.uk, David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place Email: david.shepherd@kirklees.gov.uk, David Wildman, Service Director - Skills & Regeneration Email: david.wildman@kirklees.gov.uk.

Members/Officers Involved: Executive Director Place [(as retitled) Strategic Director of Growth & Regeneration ] in consultation with Chief Executive and Directors of Finance and Legal Governance & Commissioning

Decisions

Documents