The deal was announced this morning (September 25)
Huddersfield Town now owns Accu Stadium after reaching a landmark decision after years of discussions. The club will now take full operational control of the venue and surrounding 53-acre site with immediate effect.
The deal announced today (September 25), sees Huddersfield Town become the venue’s sole 100 per cent shareholder. Until this point, the stadium – formally known as John Smith’s Stadium – has been managed by Kirklees Stadium Development Limited, with shares previously held in the company by Kirklees Council (40 per cent), Huddersfield Town Association Football Club (40 per cent), and Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Football Club (20 per cent).
The agreement marks the conclusion of long-running discussions between the three parties. Huddersfield Town says that the agreement will enable it to deliver its plans to invest in and improve the stadium.
In recent years, the council made it clear it no longer wanted to be involved in the business side of things at the stadium. However, it will be keeping the freehold which will ultimately protect the future usage of the site. A 300-year leasehold agreement has been signed.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the council will take possession and freehold ownership of the plot of land at Gasworks Street which was purchased by KSDL to form part of the stalled £100m HDOne Scheme.
In a joint statement, Huddersfield Town, Kirklees Council and Huddersfield Giants said: “Over the past few years, we have been working together to secure the long-term future of the stadium. We are pleased that partners have now completed the legal processes to transfer ownership to the football club. The deal paves the way for further investment into the stadium and a bright future for sport, entertainment and hospitality in Huddersfield.
“The agreement reflects the ambitions of each of the partners while safeguarding the stadium for future generations in Huddersfield and beyond.”
Huddersfield Town owner and chairman Kevin Nagle added: “Following extensive discussions, we are delighted to have secured full operational control of our home at the Accu Stadium, securing the long-term future of the team within the heart of the town whilst opening the door for multiple transformational developments to now take place. Thank you to our partners at the Kirklees Council and Huddersfield Giants for their co-operation throughout.
“We understand deeply the significance of the venue as both a sporting and entertainment destination, and look forward to our ongoing investment in the stadium providing the town and our local community increased choice and opportunity in both the short and long term. Huddersfield Town has a proud 117 year history within the town, and we are proud to have secured the next 300 years of our future here, too.”
Huddersfield Giants Owner and Chairman Ken Davy commented: “This is good news after such a long time to finally get this agreement sorted to the benefit of all three parties. We will remain of course as I have already said at the Accu Stadium in the 2026 season.”
For Kirklees Council, Deputy Leader, Councillor Moses Crook said: “The stadium is such an important part of our community. That’s why we have worked hard alongside Huddersfield Town and the Giants to secure its future as a world-class venue for sport, entertainment and wider community benefits.
“Everyone knows the stadium needs a long-term plan for its investment and management. We’ve agreed with partners that the best model for the future is to transfer the council’s interest to the football club who can take the venue forward and give it the investment it needs. Huddersfield Town Owner and Chairman Kevin Nagle has evidenced full commitment to this ongoing transformation, which we believe to be in the best interest of the town and stadium.
“Alongside our ambitious plans for the station to stadium corridor in Huddersfield, which is already benefiting from investment by the university and its designation as an Investment Zone, this is another benefit for the local economy.
“The council will keep the freehold, which means retaining ultimate control of the use of the site but it means we won’t be involved in the day-to-day running of the business, with Huddersfield Town securing a long-term 300-year lease as part of the agreement.“
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