GSK Sports and Social Club vows to fight closure

The GSK Sports & Social Club committee remains “fully committed to the future of the club”.

That was the defiant message communicated to members following the shock news that the 80-year-old club in Barnard Castle will close at the end of the year.

GSK made the announcement last week, much to the dismay of the club’s staff and hundreds of members.

In a statement following the announcement, the committee vowed to explore all options as it attempts to stop, or delay, the closure.

Earlier this year, the Mercury reported that the committee were in negotiations with company representatives and were a long way down the road of taking over the management of the club.

To be called Barnard Castle Sports & Social Club, the new organisation was intended to be a vital community hub occupying the existing buildings near Harmire Road.

The plan was to become a “self-sufficient entity independent of the company” with a new constitution before the end of this year.

The Mercury contacted GSK for clarity on the reasons for the closure and what specific plans it had for the club premises.

A spokesman said: “Barnard Castle is a key site in GSK’s global manufacturing network.

“Recent investments totalling around £120m are supporting state-of-the-art upgrades to our facilities there to support continued production of medicines that benefit patients around the world.

“Alongside this, we need to make sure we’re making the best use of our land and facilities to support current and future operations.

“As part of this, following a review of arrangements and discussions with local stakeholders, we are bringing the sports and social club building and surrounding land into direct company use.

“We sincerely appreciate everything the club has contributed over many years,” the statement continued.

“The commitment, enthusiasm and dedication of successive committee members and volunteers have created opportunities for colleagues, families and members of the wider community to come together, build relationships, and enjoy activities outside of work.

“The club has been an important part of the site’s history and culture, and that contribution is recognised.”

The swift closure of the club will have significant implications for members and associate members, as well as the staff and the surrounding community including charities and various groups.

The Mercury understands that the club has hundreds of existing bookings to use the facilities, including weddings, next year and beyond.

It’s a similar story for Barnard Castle Band, who uses the club as its base for rehearsals.

In response to GSK’s decision to close the club, the committee issued the following statement to its members.

“The club was formally given notice to vacate our current premises by December 31, 2026.

“We appreciate that this news may come as a shock and will understandably cause concern and uncertainty amongst our members.

“The club committee is working extremely hard to engage with the site to discuss alternative options and to explore and develop all possible avenues for the future of the club.

“At this stage, there are a number of options that need to be fully explored, and we ask all members to please bear with us during this uncertain time while we work through the situation.

“Please be assured that the committee remains fully committed to the future of the club and to protecting the interests of our members.

“What has been truly overwhelming, however, is the incredible level of support we have received from the local community, our members and supporters.

“We can only hope that the strength of feeling and the importance of the club to the community are fully understood and taken into consideration by those reviewing the decision.

“We will continue to work hard behind the scenes and will keep everyone informed as soon as there is anything meaningful to share.”

It is understood that the gym committee, which looks after more than 500 members, has identified a potential alternative facility to relocate to if necessary.

Meanwhile, an independent online petition has been launched to save the club.

Outlining the reasons for launching the petition, the organiser said: “Our town is facing an imminent threat to a cherished community gem, the Glaxo Sports & Social Club.

“As the largest venue in our town, it has been more than just a club, it’s a lifeline for health, fitness and community engagement.

“For many of us, the club has been an essential part of our lives, not only keeping us healthy but also providing a space where we can gather and connect.”

To sign the petition, visit https://c.org/Ngj7hfHhTg