Securing the Railway Sports Centre We've Called Home Since 1926

A Centenary Campaign to Save a Historic Sports Venue

A charity that has provided sports facilities for all ages for over a century is launching an ambitious campaign to purchase the building it has occupied since 1926. The York Railway Institute (RI) is currently leasing the Queen Street venue, which will come to an end in 2027. However, the property’s owner, Network Rail, has offered the organization the opportunity to buy the site. This initiative comes as the charity marks its centenary year and aims to raise £100,000 to ensure the future of the historic space.

Mike Poulter, coach of the York RI Juniors badminton team, emphasized the significance of this opportunity. “Owning the sports centre would give people a chance to be part of our future, as well as our past,” he said. He added that hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals from York and surrounding areas have participated in sports at the RI over the years.

The York Railway Institute was originally established in the 19th century as a hub for railway workers to enhance their education. It featured a library, classrooms, and a dining hall. By 1926, the nearby locomotive erecting shops and carriage works were transformed into a gymnasium, complete with a boxing ring that later became badminton courts. Today, the institute continues to host national-level badminton tournaments and offers activities such as pickleball, squash, and judo.

Trustee Heather Robertson highlighted the importance of this moment, noting that the opportunity to purchase the venue aligns with the center’s upcoming 100th anniversary. “Due to various developments around the station and the York Central project, we've felt like we're on borrowed time,” she explained. She also acknowledged the support from Network Rail, especially during the pandemic, but pointed out that the lease agreement is nearing its end.

If the funds are not raised in time, the impact on the clubs using the facility could be significant. Many of these clubs compete under the York RI name. “If this disappeared, you'd hope those clubs would survive and find another venue, but that seems difficult,” Robertson said. “It's not just about finding any sports center — there's nothing like this in terms of location and what it offers.”

Dermot Heslop, a judo coach and treasurer of the York RI, shared how the venue has been meaningful to his family, who have been involved with the railways since the 1940s. “If we can buy the building, it gives me an opportunity to say thank you to the Railway Institute for everything it's done for me as an individual,” he said. He noted the diverse demographic of users, ranging from elderly individuals in their 80s to young children under five, as well as participants from various nationalities.

Network Rail expressed its support for the long-term future of the York RI. A spokesperson stated, “We are delighted to support the long-term future of the York RI. Our teams have been working collaboratively with York RI to secure this historical building's future as a community sports facility.” They added that this partnership reflects their commitment to supporting local communities while preserving railway heritage.

To meet the fundraising goal, York RI has planned several events leading up to 2027. The first event is a 24-hour “badminton-athon” scheduled for 2 August. Isobel Avey, supervisor at the center, emphasized the strong sense of community among the teams using the space. “There's a massive emphasis on community,” she said. “I'm excited to see how everyone is rallying around, that's a reflection of how much people love the place and want to keep it open. It would be such a shame for it to go, it would be so upsetting.”

As the campaign gains momentum, the community continues to show its support for the preservation of this iconic venue. The efforts of the York Railway Institute highlight the enduring value of local spaces that bring people together through sport and shared history.