A shop could soon open in one of York’s ancient gateways.
Plans are in to turn Micklegate Bar into a shop and gallery.
Previously home to the Micklegate Bar Museum, telling the York story from Roman times on, it was turned into the Henry VII Experience by Jorvik owners York Archaeology in 2014.
But both that attraction and its sister venue, the Richard III Experience at Monk Bar, never reopened after Covid.
Both Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar were put up for rent by York Archaeology in July, with an annual rent of £6,000 and £4,000 respectively.
Finding a use for such ancient monuments is tricky. The lower section of Micklegate Bar dates from the 12th century, the top two storeys from the 14th, and it doesn’t have running water.
But now a planning application is in for a change of use to Micklegate Bar from a museum to an art gallery and retail space.
The application, from Andrew Winn of Fewster Way, York, states: “The proposal seeks to preserve and enhance the heritage value of the building by introducing a new cultural
use with a focus on York’s printing heritage, combining exhibition, retail, and community engagement activities.
“The scheme is designed to be fully reversible, requiring no new fixtures or permanent alterations to the historic fabric.”
The proposal has four elements:
- Art gallery: with rotating exhibitions of works by local and regional artists.
- Printing heritage focus: “The retail area will also allow visitors to experience printing
demonstrations and witness work being produced throughout the day. This element directly connects the site with York’s historic role as a centre of printing and publishing.” - Retail space: Sale of locally-made artworks, prints and heritage-inspired products.
- Community workshops and events: “The space will be used host workshops, talks, and events with a community focus, encouraging wider public engagement and creative learning opportunities.”
As Micklegate Bar is Grade I listed, no structural changes are planned, and all fixtures and fittings would be reversible.
You can read and comment on the plans here.
