Plans to give the historic gates in York’s city walls a new lease of life have progressed.
An agreement has been reached to lease Micklegate Bar and convert it into an art shop and gallery. Another, for the soap company to move to Monk Bar, is nearing completion.
Andy Winn, the professional publisher behind the Micklegate Bar plans, said he hopes to open Drawn Up in the historic building in May.
Andrew Spencer, managing director of Barry Crux & Company, which handles these deals, said they were delighted to have played their part in bringing the historic buildings back to life.
It comes after plans from The Yorkshire Soap Company to open a store in Monk Bar were approved by York City Council in February.
Mr Winn’s application to move to Micklegate Bar was accepted in November.
The artist will turn the ground floor into a shop and studio where people will be able to watch him work.
An art gallery is planned for the second floor, where an exhibition space showing the work of local artists is to be moved to the third floor.
Mr Winn plans to display plaques focusing on York’s history at Micklegate Bar.
The artist said he is eager to see how the area will influence his work.
He also said he intends to open at least the ground floor for business in May.
Mr Winn said: “There will be challenges to overcome, but it’s just a beautiful building, full of history and significance, and I think it’s a great place for creative work.
“I want people to be able to see the building itself and learn about its history, so sometimes the top floor will be used as an exhibition space, and at other times it will be left free for people to see and enjoy as it is.
I’m from York, so this is a special opportunity for me.
Details of the final hire of the Yorkshire Soap Company, which also runs York’s Imaginarium and The Society of Alchemists, are being agreed.
Both deals follow strong demand from businesses looking to take up space, according to Barry Crux, who is part of the Garness Group.
Commercial property manager Mr Spencer said they were looking to find tenants equal to the gate debt.
He also said that the company is confident that Mr. Winn and The Yorkshire Soap Company will return the buildings to operation in the right way.
Mr Spencer said: “It’s been a fantastic project to be involved in and we wish them every success in this unique environment.”
The Grade I listed Micklegate Bar, which dates back to the 12th century, is the traditional gateway to visiting kings of York.
The severed heads of traitors and rebels to the crown were displayed there in history.
The gatehouse was home to the Henry VII Experience, run by York Archeology’s Jorvik operation until 2020 and continued to house the City Walls Experience which closed in 2024.
The Monk Bar, in Goodramgate, was the venue for the Richard III Experience in Micklegate’s which was also closed following the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Grade I listed Monk Bar was also built in the 14th Century and is the tallest of the four gates along the city walls.
They are owned by York Council which has ordered Barry Crux to put them on the market, at £4,000-a-year rents for each of them.
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