York Historic Environment Record

The Railway Institute Gymnasium, often referred to as RI Gymnasium, comprised two long rectangular merged ranges and an extension to the northeast of the southern range which were originally created in the 19th century as Locomotive Erecting Shops, No. 1 and No. 2, as part of the former York Locomotive Works.
The southern range was converted into a gymnasium in 1926 as part of the Railway Institute and by the 1940s the northern range operated as a ‘Lost Property Department’ of the railway whereas the southern range continued as a Gymnasium with several small extensions to the southwest and the southeast (York Archaeology 2024).

The York Railway Institute was built in 1889 at the site of the old Railway Tavern, “to convey information and spread education on a variety of subjects”. From the beginning, it has offered educational facilities for railway employees, with a well-stocked library and reading room, a dining room that could seat 400 people, three classrooms, as well as a games room for cards and billiards. It has fulfilled a social and welfare function by providing accommodation for a wide range of recreational activities, associations and clubs. It is included because of its unbroken connection with the railway history of York and for its important contribution to the education and well-being of the railway workforce and the wider public in York. Moreover, it still holds communal value today, being a large sports club with over 3000 members, and hosting an array of events. Almost contemporary with the building of the present York railway station, it forms an important part of the setting of this grade II* listed building. (York Civic Trust)

NMR Information:

Workers Intstitute built in 1889 by the North Eastern Railway Company, the building has continued to provide social and educational activities ever since. The Railway Institute is a brick, slate roofed, three/four storey building with four bays facing Queen Street. The ground and first floor windows are segmentally arched while the upper floors have flat stone lintels: most have their original glazing. The third floor, comprising the warden's flat, is only partial and was not inspected.

There are entrances on the ground and first floor, both with original doorways. Internally, the floor plan of the ground floor has been altered and fixtures and fittings lost. The first and second floors largely retain their original layout, with cornicing and some original fireplaces. To the rear is a large hall, designed as a theatre and in use as a dance studio: this is at first floor level and extends into the second floor. The staircase, with wooden rail and metal balusters, is intact though partially boxed in.
The building was considered for listing in 2007 as it was at risk of demolition as part of the York Central development area. It was not considered suitable for listing as it was considered a late Victorian building of limited architectural distinction. (1)

Sources
1 English Heritage Listing File Case files created by English Heritage for buildings being considered for Listed Building status. Alison Clarke, 26-APR-2007

No List Case 503158/001

York Archaeological Trust, 2017, York Station and Queen St Bridge DBA (Unpublished document). SYO2053.

NMR, 2019, NMR data (Digital archive). SYO2214.

York Archaeology, 2024, York Station RI Gymnasium (Unpublished document). SYO3101.