Calderdale Council has revealed that the new £4.5m east stand at The Shay stadium in Halifax, West Yorkshire, is set to open to the public on 28 March.

Hall Construction Services has carried out the design and build of the 3,500-seat stand at the venue - home to FC Halifax Town and Halifax Rugby League Football Club (HRLFC). The stand will take The Shay's total capacity to more than 10,000 for the first time in more than 30 years and will provide one of the largest conference facilities in the area.

It is expected that the stand, changing rooms and catering areas will be fully open for HRLFC's fixture with Leigh Rugby League Football Club, subject to weather conditions. The East Stand, which boasts 11 function rooms, will also house shops for the local football and rugby teams.

Ian Cooper, Calderdale Council's cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "The new facilities will provide a seven-day community and sporting venue at the heart of Halifax and Calderdale life "Our investment in this project also shows the councils commitment to sport and healthy lifestyles, and will hopefully inspire people to be more active."