We understand that building works have started at the Acomb Cricket Club site which will see a new clubhouse erected for the York Bridge Club.
The Club says, “The dream of building purpose-built premises in now becoming a reality for York Bridge Club. Work has now commenced in January to build new premises in the grounds of Acomb Sports Club”.
The Club has been based in Holgate Road since 1999 but has outgrown its current premises. The Trustees have been looking to relocate the Club since 2014 but realistically could not compete on the commercial property market.
There are several examples of bridge clubs across the country that have gone into partnership with Sports and Recreational Clubs. In May 2019 the Club speculatively approached Acomb Sports Club to see if they may be interested in going into partnership by providing land to build a new Bridge Club. The response was positive and after lengthy and productive discussions, both the Sports Club and Bridge Club are pleased with the resulting outcome.
Both parties strongly believe the fit between the two clubs will benefit all current members and enlarge the opportunities in the local Acomb area and wider community. Stuart Kay, Chairman of the Bridge Club Charity, told us “new purpose-built premises provide a unique opportunity for the Bridge Club to extend its reach and promote the game of bridge. We welcome new members and will provide courses teaching bridge to encourage more people to learn to play bridge or improve their game”.
Acomb Sports Club, an affiliation of Acomb Cricket Club and Acomb Hockey Club, welcomes the build commencement of new premises for the York Bridge Club and their members to the Association. The York Bridge Club will become a third affiliation, furthering the long-term sustainability of the Sports Club.
It is the Sport’s Club’s 95th and the Bridge Club’s 75th anniversary year, so 2021 is an important year in the history of both clubs. Dave Sykes, Chairman of Acomb Sports Club told us “whilst there might be some short-term disruption during the works, the long-term gains for both club’s in the future will be significant”.
The Bridge Club expects completion of the works and to open the new Bridge Club premises in late 2021.