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Historic Harrogate bowling club registered as community asset

Friday, 16 January 2026 15:21

By Joe Willis, Local Democracy Reporter

Starbeck Bowls Club. (Photo: Google)

A bowling club which has been open for more than 100 years has been registered as a community asset.

Users of Starbeck Bowling Club, in Spa Lane, Harrogate, nominated the club to become an asset of community value with North Yorkshire Council.

Officers from the authority, which also owns the premises, agreed that there was enough supporting evidence to support the application.

The club, which opened in 1920, runs nine teams in different local leagues.

It said in its application:

“Whatever your physique, bowls is a non-contact sport for everyone and will help improve fitness levels, mental wellbeing and provide a skilful challenge.

“Gender differences have less of an effect on a game of bowls — a game an eight-year-old can play with an 80-year-old on an equal footing.”

Council officers concluded after a site visit that the club met the conditions of inclusion on the register.

These include the uses of the club furthering the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.

The council report said the club was likely to continue this function in the coming years.

It said:

“With over 105 years of continuous use and strong support from residents and community organisations, the bowling green is clearly valued and actively maintained.

“This enduring engagement, combined with its social and recreational role, makes future community use a realistic and viable option within the next five years.”

The listing means the community would be involved if the venue was put up for sale and would get the first chance to make an offer.

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