York City were not the first, and will not be the last, football club to depart their historic home. But as part of the planning for the redevelopment of Bootham Crescent, something unique did happen, something that will hopefully be a model for many clubs in the future.
Instead of a clear site with little sense of what came before, Bootham Crescent will recognise its heritage in street names, but also with a section of preserved terrace, tunnel, and memorabilia associated to the ground.
In addition, of a flagpole will mark the centre circle, and a memorial garden will provide a long-term resting place for the ashes of City fans who were interred there previously.
As the development has an end in sight we wanted to update supporters on what happens next, and how you can get involved.
Over the past two years a group involving representatives of YCST, YCFC, archaeologists from Historic England, directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings, and individuals bringing particular skills and knowledge such as the club historian, have been meeting to oversee the final developments.
This has involved making plans for the conservation of items such as wrought iron gates and turnstiles; exploring options for how to best use the terrace space; writing panels to explain the history of the site; and deciding how best to manage the site in the long-term. It is on this last point we are looking for your help.
While Persimmon have a responsibility through planning to create the garden, the future management of it then passes to York City Supporters Trust. As such, we are looking to put together a supporter group to ensure this space is a suitable pilgrimage site for football fans for decades to come.
In addition, this group would work with the Trust to identify key moments through the season when events can be held, talking to visitors, showing them memorabilia, and leading walks from Bootham Crescent to the LNER Community Stadium.
If you are interested in taking part in this you can email david.craven@ycst.org.uk. In addition, we will be outside the LNER Community Stadium before the Truro game on 20thDecember from 3.30 in the afternoon. You can come and talk to us about the supporter group and the memorial garden.
We would like to build a bank of short anecdotes about our former home, so if you have a good story to tell, please come see us on the 20th so we can capture it.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
The current schedule has the Memorial Garden opening in Summer 2026.
About York City Supporters’ Trust
Established in 2002, York City Supporters Trust is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We were formed to protect the long-term future of the football club and represent the interests of the fans. We are also 25% shareholders in York City Football Club Ltd.