SOCIAL clubs across York are being targeted by property developers as they struggle to survive in the 21st century.

One club steward said construction firms were "circling like sharks" in the quest to build more houses, and another club revealed it had been approached three times in less than a year.

But one working men's club (WMC), Promenade, in St Benedict Road, has actually teamed up with York-based developer Guildford Construction, in order to survive.

Plans are in hand to demolish the existing building and replace it with 18 quality flats and a smaller version of the club below them.

"If the planning application gets turned down, we'll be forced to close within a year," a club spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the Groves WMC, in Penleys Grove Street, has revealed that it was nearly forced to shut down in August, but managed to secure a last-minute private loan in order to keep going.

The situation emerged as the Evening Press conducted a major survey of the city's social clubs in the wake of the shock announcement that York Civil Service Sports Club, in Boroughbridge Road, will shut next year.

It follows the closure of four other clubs in just over a year: Fulford Road WMC, the INL, Layerthorpe WMC and the York City Arms.

The clubs surveyed said overwhelmingly that the club scene was in decline with a severe lack of younger members and profit margins becoming smaller.

Eddie Senior, secretary of St Lawrence's WMC, Lawrence Street, said it had been approached three times by developers this year.

"We told them we weren't interested," he said. "One developer wanted to convert our upstairs rooms into flats, but once they own the freehold we lose control.

"At one point we were really struggling, but seem to be finding our feet now."

Brian Norrie, steward at Crescent WMC, Blossom Street, said: "We've had developers making offers to buy the building. They're like circling sharks.

"It's all very well building houses all over the place, but people need somewhere to go in their leisure time."

Ian Chittock, relief steward at Acomb WMC, in Front Street, also revealed that Safeway Supermarket had once offered "about £1 million" for the club site in order to build a petrol station.

"They said they would build our club elsewhere, but we told them to get on their bikes," he said.

John Guildford, owner of Guildford Construction, said the deal with Promenade WMC benefited both parties.

"Without this deal the club couldn't survive," he said.

The development could start in February, subject to planning approval.

Have you got a view on the social club scene? If so contact reporter Matthew Woodcock on 01904 653051 ext 305 or email

Updated: 11:49 Thursday, November 21, 2002