York working men’s club to be turned into 20 flats

The New York Club & Institute is set to be transformed into flats.

The club on Blossom Street, which closed soon after reaching its 90th anniversary, will be converted into nine one-bed apartments and two studio flats, under plans submitted to City of York Council.

Under the scheme, developers York City Living Ltd would also build a three-storey block in the garden – containing six more one-bedroom flats and three studios.

The New York Club closed its doors in January after dwindling membership numbers led to the majority of remaining members voting to sell up.

Deteriorating condition

A planning statement says the development will “secure the long-term future” of the building:

• The social club is one of the oldest in York. It has been in operation for around 90 years now although in recent years the club has struggled to attract new members and in September 2018 the remaining members voted to close the venue and dispose of the Grade II listed building.

  Although the building was not abandoned, a lack of proper maintenance has led to its deteriorated condition and attention is now required.

  It represents an efficient use of land within the city centre of York and will create 20 new entry level homes targeted towards first time buyers or residents looking to downsize.
  

Some later additions – including false ceilings, doors and staircases – will be demolished and windows and the front of the building will be restored.

The facade will be returned to its original appearance with exposed brick. The new “mews-style” apartment block in the garden will be reached through the main building.