Plans for gallery in Micklegate Bar gatehouse approved

York Council has approved an application from artist Andrew Winn to convert the Micklegate Bar gatehouse which previously housed history-themed attractions.

The plans stated the new gallery and shop will help to sustain the Grade I-listed building’s cultural value and its contribution to York’s heritage offer.

The conversion is set to see a gallery created in the gatehouse to exhibit work from local and regional artists.

Its shop is set to offer printing demonstrations, host talks and community events and sell locally-produced art and heritage goods.

Approval of the plans comes after the gatehouse was marketed to lease for £4,000-a-year in July, along with Monks Bar in Goodramgate.

Micklegate Bar, which dates to the 14th Century, is the traditional entrance for monarchs visiting York and severed heads of rebels and traitors to the crown were historically displayed there.

The rooms above the bar gate have been home to a prison, police house and fencing club throughout its history.

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They recently housed the Henry VII Experience, which closed following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, and the City Walls Experience which shut in 2024.

Both attractions were run by York Archaeology, the operator of Jorvik and the Barley Hall.

Plans for the gallery and shop stated the sale of locally-produced works would help support the city’s economy.

They added workshops and demonstrations would strengthen York’s reputation for its heritage offering and its creative industries.

No structural changes are planned as part of the conversion and all changes made to the inside of the gatehouse are set to be reversible.

The applicant’s plan to use existing fixtures and fittings are also set to be used to display elements of the gallery, along with free-standing furniture.

The plans stated: “The proposed change of use of Micklegate Bar to an art gallery and shop represents a sensitive, sustainable and heritage-led reuse of this nationally significant structure.

“The inclusion of a printing heritage focus, letterpress demonstrations and community-focused workshops ensures that the building will remain a vibrant cultural asset for York.”