Housing trust named after poverty campaigner finally agrees not to demolish historic sports club in York

Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust’s (JRHT) CEO, Paul Kissack, said he wanted to focus efforts on “having constructive conversations about the future” of New Earswick and District Indoor Bowls Club.

Last month it was revealed that JRHT was seeking a demolition notice for the club building in order to create up to 30 homes for social rent and shared ownership in Tanners Yard, off Huntington Road.

The club, which host international bowls tournaments, has around 500 members and is considered a social hub, hosting a variety of community groups, as well as being a venue for parties and wedding receptions at affordable rates.

Opposition to the proposal has cross-party support among York councillors, as well as from York Outer MP Julian Sturdy, and more than 1,000 people have signed a petition against it.

JRHT owns the freehold of nearly all the properties in the model village of New Earswick and says it supports “the community and educational activities in the village.”

Club spokesman Ian Carr said: “As far as we’re concerned, they’re finally seeing sense.

“We’ve had tremendous support from the area and I think JRHT has realised the strength of feeling and not put in another application for demolition. They’ve been in touch with us and they really want to talk to us about the way forward.

“Hopefully we can try and broker some deal which is beneficial to us and JRHT to hopefully re-establish their good name in the community again, because it has dipped a little.”

Mr Carr admitted the current building was “enormous”, adding that an ideal situation would see a new, smaller club built, along with the houses JRHT wants.

Mr Kissack said: “JRHT recognises that the bowling club is an important asset for the community, and we hope very much that it has a viable future.

“Sadly, it is currently in a rapidly ageing building which requires extensive investment and is increasingly not fit for purpose.”

He confirmed that no changes would be made to the club before its lease expires in May 2023.

He added: “To reinforce this, we have for the time being, stopped our application for a demolition notice so that we can focus our efforts on having constructive conversations about the future of the club. Hopefully, with the continued support of local representatives we can use the coming weeks to discuss with the NEIBC what a viable future could look like.”

Ward councillor Coun Keith Orrell welcomed the move.

He said: “Throughout the last few weeks we have sought to engage with the trust and the club positively to find a suitable future for this treasured community asset. We’re glad to see JRHT listen to the concerns expressed by the community and commit to discussing all viable options.

“The support for the club’s campaign has shown just how important a role it plays in the local community – it’s a sporting and social asset both in New Earswick as well as regionally.”