HUDDERSFIELD Rugby Union Club's old Waterloo ground is still derelict - eight years after it was sold for development.
To pay for the club's move to a new home at Lockwood Park Sports Complex, off Meltham Road, its former ground in Waterloo was sold for development in 1996.
The owners of the Waterloo site, off Wakefield Road, are Birmingham-based JJ Gallagher. The firm secured planning permission for a retail development last March, but so far there have been no takers for the land.
Permission was granted for three non-food warehouses and one for food retail.
The company has five years before it must re-apply for planning permission, should no-one want to build on the land.
The rugby club sold part of its grounds in Waterloo in 1995. Firstly, Morrisons Supermarkets bought what were the second and third team pitches.
Gallaghers then bought the first team pitch - and the club had enough cash to move.
The mastermind of the move, former club chairman Jack Wade, 73, says he is not surprised the ground has remained empty.
He said: "We had a great deal of trouble getting buyers for the Waterloo site, for a number of reasons.
"The major problem was that retail developments were getting accepted in other parts of Huddersfield, especially along Leeds Road.
"Many potential buyers saw that as a more attractive area.
"Morrisons did buy in Waterloo, though, and they have been very pleased with their decision, so clearly retail can work in that area.
"I struggled for years to get a tenant, though, so I don't envy the current owners."
