Plans to give historic gatehouses in York’s city walls a new lease of life have taken a step forward.
A deal to lease out Micklegate Bar and turn it into an art shop and gallery has been reached. Another, for a soap company to move into Monk Bar, is nearing completion.
Andy Winn, the professional printmaker behind plans for Micklegate Bar, said he was hoping to open Drawne Up in the historically significant building in May.
Andrew Spencer, agency director of Barry Crux & Company which handled the deals, said they were thrilled to have played their part in bringing the historic buildings back into use.
It comes after plans from The Yorkshire Soap Company to open a shop in Monk Bar were approved by City of York Council in February.
Mr Winn’s application to move into Micklegate Bar was approved in November.
The artist is set to turn the ground floor into a shop and studio where people will be able to watch him work.
A gallery is planned for on the second floor, with an exhibition space showing the work of local artists set to go on the third floor.
Mr Winn plans to produce prints focused on York’s history in Micklegate Bar.
The artist said he was looking forward to seeing how the space would inspire his work.
He added he aimed to open at least the ground floor of the business in May.
Mr Winn said: “There are going to be challenges to overcome, but it’s just a beautiful building, full of history and significance, and I think it’s a great space for creative work.
“I want people to be able to experience the building itself and learn about its history, so sometimes the top floor will be used for exhibition space, and at others it will be left free for people to see and enjoy as it is.
“I’m from York myself, so this is a special opportunity for me.”
The details of the final lease for the Yorkshire Soap Company, which also runs York’s Imaginarium and The Society of Alchemists, are currently being agreed.
Both deals follow huge demand from businesses who wanted to take on the spaces, according to Barry Crux, which is part of the Garness Group.
The commercial property firm’s agency director Mr Spencer said they wanted to find tenants who fit the bill for the gatehouses.
He added the company was confident both Mr Winn and The Yorkshire Soap Company would bring the buildings back into use in an appropriate way.
Mr Spencer said: “It has been a fantastic project to be involved in, and we wish them both every success in these truly unique surroundings.”
The Grade I-listed Micklegate Bar, which dates from the 12th century, is the traditional entrance for monarchs visiting York.
Severed heads of traitors and rebels to the crown were historically displayed there.
The gatehouse was home to the Henry VII Experience, run by Jorvik operator York Archaeology until 2020 and went on to house the City Walls Experience which shut in 2024.
Monk Bar, in Goodramgate, housed the Richard III Experience companion attraction to Micklegate’s which also closed following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Grade I-listed Monk Bar was also built in the 14th Century and is the tallest of the four gatehouses along the city walls.
They are owned by York Council who instructed Barry Crux to put them on the market, with leases of £4,000-a-year offered for each of them.
