Selby Railway Club set to be demolished after 70 years

Selby Railway Social Club will be torn down under the £32 million Selby Station Gateway scheme, which aims to transform the area surrounding the town’s railway station.

Founded in the 1950s as a social hub for railway workers, the club evolved over the decades while retaining its rich heritage, with its walls displaying artwork, memorabilia and treasured mementoes from its past.

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Now, that chapter is drawing to a close, with contractors Galliford Try preparing to demolish the building and clear the site for redevelopment.

Selby Railway Social Club will be torn down under the £32 million Selby Station Gateway scheme this week (Image: Newsquest)

It comes before the company is due to demolish Selby Business Centre, following the removal of asbestos from the building.

It will see the creation of additional parking and a new station access at Cowie Drive, as well as new and upgraded walking and cycling routes on Station Road and Ousegate.

The project also includes proposals to create a new Station Plaza – thanks to funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority – linking the railway station to Selby Park.

Speaking about this, Selby MP Keir Mather said: “The Gateway project will transform our town.

“It’s fantastic to finally see visible progress.

“I know that there’s been disruption in town with car park closures.

“As part of the visit, I put some potential solutions to Cllr Malcom Taylor which he’s agreed to look into.”

Cowie Drive car park has been excavated to make way for an improved facility – set to be complete in early 2027 (Image: Newsquest)

The project is set to be complete in 2029.

In Cowie Drive, contractors have already excavated an area of concrete for a brand-new carpark.

Selby East Councillor Jack Proud said that the Station Road facility is expected to remain open until the new station car park in Cowie Drive is ready to open in early 2027.

He said: “Constructive discussions were held at Selby Station last week with Cllr Taylor, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation.

Alongside Cllr Shaw-Wright, I was able to raise concerns from residents regarding parking arrangements during the important Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) works taking place around the station.”

The two councillors discussed the suitability of directing station users to Back Micklegate car park as an alternative, and a request was made for the Portholme Road facility to be changed for short-stay to long-stay parking to support commuters and residents during the works.

Cllr Proud added: “I, along with colleagues, will continue to keep pushing for practical solutions that minimise disruption while these major improvements are delivered for Selby.”