Kirklees Council has agreed to give £160,000 to the John Smith’s Stadium this year.

And that sum includes £53,927 towards the refurbishment of the conference and hospitality areas of the Stadium, paying for new carpets and furniture.

The council is also giving Kirklees Stadium Development Limited (KSDL) around £25,000 in general revenue support in 2013/14.

The figures were obtained via a Freedom of Information request after the funding decision was made by Kirklees Cabinet in a private session on July 15.

A brief public summary shows that councillors agreed a capital grant of £160,000 be provided to KSDL to fund the expenditure costs.

Kirklees as a 40% shareholder is liable for contributions.

Clr Mehboob Khan, leader of the council, explained the reasons for the grant: “The council makes an annual revenue contribution towards the stadium and we wanted to reduce our revenue contribution and instead fund capital projects.

“The stadium required some works and we said that rather than giving them money for unspecified projects we would give them a capital sum towards costed projects.

“We requested and they agreed to provide costs for the capital works and we agreed to it because it covers stadium improvements.

“One of the improvements previously was a new football pitch.

“But the stadium was looking tired and was in need of refurbishment.

“It does give value for money for the council and taxpayer because not only does it reduce our long term revenue contribution which we agreed to make to KSDL originally, it boosts the local economy too.

“This is about jobs and improving the facilities at the stadium, which attracts business and events and generates income.

“The two clubs via their rental agreement contribute also.

“In the end it will help reduce the council’s revenue contribution which is a saving to the taxpayer.”

The council’s Statement of Accounts 2012/13 shows that as at March 31 2013, the balance on KSDL loan was £4 million – compared to £4.4 million at 31 March 2012.

It says the council has also agreed to guarantee English Partnership’s investment of £1.7 million in the North Stand development of the project.

In the 2011/12 statement of accounts it was said that a £1.1m capital grant reflecting the revised financial arrangements between the parties agreed in 2011 which will mean that the revenue support provided by the Council to KSDL will cease in 2013.

Clr Khan said that in the long term the council would see a return on its investment, especially when the HD One scheme becomes a reality.

The £100m HD One scheme centres on a huge new leisure complex which could create 912 jobs, will include a ski slope, casino, dozens of bars and restaurants and a hotel. There will also be two nightclubs, a bingo hall, shops and 140 flats on the 11-hectare site.

The scheme along the River Colne side was granted planning permission in 2010.

Clr Khan added: “In the long term the council is looking to see a return on its money when loans are paid on the stadium and the HD One leisure and retail development becomes a reality and we have now businesses.

“The council is facing significant cutbacks and we’re looking at how we can reduce our revenue contributions but still support the stadium which is vital to the local economy.

“Most councils envy the agreement we have in Kirklees with the stadium.”