HUDDERSFIELD TOWN OWNER KEVIN NAGLE OFFERED ‘FINAL PIECE’ IN JOHN SMITH’S STADIUM JIGSAW

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN OWNER KEVIN NAGLE OFFERED ‘FINAL PIECE’ IN JOHN SMITH’S STADIUM JIGSAW

The sole piece of property around John Smith’s Stadium that is still out of the club’s control has been offered to

Kevin Nagle, the millionaire owner of Huddersfield Town.

Mr. Nagle had designated the abandoned Rope Walk tavern near the stadium as the club’s new retail megastore.

Nonetheless, the investment firm that owns the entire structure—which includes the Odeon theatre, Pizza Hut, Costa

Coffee, and the pub—has stated that they are open to selling.

under his most recent video diary, Mr. Nagle alluded to changes involving the movie theatre complex. Although no

official talks are currently under progress, it is evident that Mr. Nagle is eager to investigate the options.

When an agreement is eventually reached between Kirklees Council and Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy for the

stadium, the cinema complex building will be the only portion of the John Smith’s Stadium property that is not

owned by the town.

Mr. Nagle has previously discussed the 54-acre site’s potential for development, which might include an outdoor

amphitheatre and a hotel.

Speaking at a Town Business networking event, Town’s chief revenue officer Paul Reeves revealed that the

investment firm which owns the cinema complex building had raised the possibility of Mr Nagle buying the whole

building instead of just renting the former pub space.

There were no negotiations, said Mr Reeves, but there was a conversation to be had.

 

 

The final deal to hand over control of the stadium to Mr Nagle has been delayed again with Mr Davy awaiting

approval on his bid to buy The Shay in Halifax as a temporary home for the Giants.

Calderdale Council has agreed to sell to Mr Davy – and the Giants would move there for the start of the 2026 season

– but The Shay is listed as an Asset of Community Value and community groups must be offered the chance to bid

for it.

Community groups have six weeks to express an interest and the deadline is May 15. If there is no expression of

interest, the deal can proceed. If there is, there will be a six-month delay to allow the group to draw up a detailed bid.

Even so, Calderdale Council is free to choose Mr. Davy, who has promised to invest in a new pitch and other stadium

improvements, and is not required to sell to the community group.

The Riverside Club, formerly the White Rose, and the 1908 Restaurant, which will be built out of the old Simply Biz

offices below the directors’ box, are two more hospitality suites that Mr. Nagle is investing in to be ready for the

upcoming season while the stadium transaction is still pending.

The team has signed a five-year contract with British disruptor business Castore as its new kit supplier, and they are

creating a unique Thrice Champions jersey for the upcoming campaign.

Even if the Rope Walk is the greatest option, there are contingency plans in case something goes wrong, and the

town still needs a larger market area, even though the development of the movie theatre complex remains unclear.

Retail chief Luke Cowan told the business conference that retail had grown by 17% and that the current store was

simply too small. His comment was, “It’s like working in a cupboard.”

The club shop might be expanded into office space behind it, or a modular building could be built on the site of the

former golf driving range, if the Rope Walk doesn’t happen right away.

“We don’t want to rush,” Mr. Cowan stated. “We’ll choose the ideal moment.”

In addition, Castore intends to invest in Town’s retail location and will collaborate closely with Town to ensure the

relationship succeeds by supplying sports apparel and a lifestyle line.

Founded in 2015 by brothers Tom and Phil Beahon in Liverpool, Castore supplies kits for major teams like Glasgow

Rangers, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United.

Read more news on https://www.sportupdates.co.uk/