Gatehouse in York's walls to be converted into a shop
Monk Bar is set to house a shop run by the owners of The Yorkshire Soap Company
An historic gatehouse in York’s walls is set to be converted into a shop following the approval of a planning application.
Monk Bar, in Goodramgate, is set to house a shop run by the owners of The Yorkshire Soap Company, who also own York’s Imaginarium and Shambles-based Society of Alchemists.
The Grade I-listed building was previously home to the Richard III Experience museum which closed in 2020 following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and has remained shut since.
The firm’s application stated the special character of Monk Bar complimented their brand and the company had experience in running shops sensitively in historic buildings.
Approval of the plans comes after permission was also granted for an art gallery to be housed in Micklegate Bar in November.
That gatehouse previously housed the Henry VII Experience, the companion attraction to Monk Bar’s Richard III Experience, which also closed during the pandemic.
Both were run by York Archaeology, the operator of Jorvik and the Barley Hall.
The Yorkshire Soap Company’s application approved by York Council is set to see free-standing units and fittings put into the vacant space in the gatehouse.
They will be removable and there are no plans for structural alterations to the building.
Plans stated the shop’s branding and merchanising would compliment rather than compete with the historic building.
They do not provide details about the shop or what it will sell, but stated it would be similar to the company’s existing stores in York and elsewhere.
The Yorkshire Soap Company also runs a store in Halifax’s Grade I-listed Piece Hall.
One objection was lodged against the application, raising concerns about accessibility and saying the space was only suitable for a museum and there were empty shops available in York.
A comment was lodged in support, saying the structure was currently surrounded by scaffolding and its roof was leaking.
Monk Bar was built in the early 14th Century and it is the tallest of the four gatehouses along York’s walls.
It was built to replace Munecagate which was built in the 12th Century and stood about 90m away on the site of a Roman gate.
The Yorkshire Soap Company’s plans stated the shop would see an important historic building brought back into use.
They added it would contribute to vitality of York city centre and support its visitor economy
Plans stated: “The Yorkshire Soap Company is a well-established local retailer with a proven track record of operating within sensitive historic environments.
“The special historic character of Monk Bar perfectly complements the applicant’s brand and reputation for high quality goods and service, whilst their experience of operating within sensitive historic buildings would ensure the significant conservation value of Monk Bar is preserved.”