TRADERS in one of York’s most historic streets are teaming up to enhance its reputation and encourage local people to use it more often.

Shopkeepers and other business owners in and around Micklegate have set up the Micklegate Quarter, which they hope will revive the area’s fortunes.

It will be officially launched at 5pm on Tuesday with carols at the Christmas tree outside St Martin-cum-Gregory Church and a procession to Holy Trinity Churchyard. Organisers then hope to come up with a range of ideas next year to boost the area.

Jack Baber, who has helped spearhead the new quarter, said he opened his Bill Baber shop in Micklegate 18 months ago, having chosen it over other streets, but feels many York people overlook Micklegate, focusing instead on the shopping areas on the other side of the Ouse. He said: “The feel of this street is lovely – it’s really attractive but with none of the city-centre sprawl. Most of my business is people who are staying in hotels nearby though or passing through York. It seems York people avoid this area.”

He and fellow traders set up the Micklegate Action Group six months ago, after several businesses closed in quick succession, including The Blake Head Bookshop and Café, the Yorkshire Food Company, and the French House. The group has now founded the Quarter.

Kev Jones, landlord at Brigantes pub, said Micklegate was no longer the troubled street it was 20 years ago.

He said: “There are a lot of independent businesses here, a couple of great churches, the Bar Museum, the Bar Convent – but it’s all sometimes ignored.”

Sharon Winfield, owner of Bolsita in Mickelgate, said festivals could be held in the street in future, and said: “We’re trying to boost the image of the street, trying to stem the downward spiral.

“We’d like to become a destination so people come across town to us.”

Local councillor Sandy Fraser said: “We want to see this being a thriving, vibrant street. With the traders coming together to organise events such as Christmas celebrations, we’ll hopefully maintain such an attractive street.”

The Quarter has been partly inspired by the Minster Quarter and Bishopthorpe Road association in York, as well as a similar scheme in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh, where Mr Baber has another shop.

He praised the city council for its support and said the Christmas tree was the first display of teamwork by traders. A meeting will be held next month to discuss further ideas.

York Press: The Press - Comment

Put finest street back on the map

MICKLEGATE, with its cobbles and stunning Georgian buildings, churches and impressive bar, is probably one of York’s most beautiful streets.

Historically, it has also been one of the most important. The Viking name actually means Great Street – and for centuries it has been through Micklegate Bar that the ruling monarch has passed when they visited York.

And yet in recent times this beautiful old street has been neglected by the people of York.

Perhaps it is because it is seen as being on the wrong side of the river, or too far from the city centre. Or perhaps some find memories of the Micklegate Run off-putting.

Whatever the reason, Micklegate has struggled to attract trade. Six months ago, after a number of businesses closed – including the much-loved Blake Head Bookshop and Café – a collection of traders set up the Micklegate Action Group to try to put the street back on the map.

Next Tuesday, the group’s first big initiative will be realised with the launch of the Micklegate Quarter. Modelled on the successful Minster Quarter, it will aim to showcase Micklegate’s neglected assets – from its beautiful churches and buildings to its individual shops – in an attempt to get more people to visit.

“We’d like to become a destination so people come across town to us,” says Sharon Winfield, of the Bolsita bag and accessories boutique.

We wish the new quarter every success. This finest of streets deserves to be much better known and more regularly visited.

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