WALMGATE Bar now has a new rooftop viewing deck, which was lifted onto the structure on Thursday.

As well as the new decking, a mobile crane also hoisted a replacement balustrade rail into position.

The ultimate aim of this part of the restoration project is to allow people access to the roof.

John Oxley, archaeologist with City of York Council, said: “The restoration programme at Walmgate Bar has two main aims: to ensure the continued structural stability of this wonderful building; and to put in features which will allow for the first time safe access for the general public to the roof and Barbican.

“You can now walk around and sit on the Barbican. Soon you will be able to enjoy the view from the roof.”

The wooden spindles of the balustrade were fitted quickly, with the larger decking pieces, which had to be trimmed into place, lifted up soon after.

The work marks another major milestone in the £100,000 Walmgate Bar restoration project.

York Press:

This project includes the installation of a unique system which will support the timber-framed extension should either or both columns be struck by a vehicle, repair works to the roof, including restoration of the balustrade and windows, and re-rendering the timber-framed extension.

City of York Council has been working on the Bar since last December, although the work has over-run after it emerged timbers were more severely rotted than expected, and following the decision to expand the project.

Other recent work on Walmgate has included the ‘raising of the Bar’ earlier this month, when the structure itself was painstakingly jacked up by 10mm to allow for essential works to the supporting columns.

Traffic through the Bar was stopped throughout the day to allow the work to take place., with signed diversions in place for motorists.

Walmgate Bar was the first gatehouse in York.

It was built in the mid-twelfth century, and the Barbican was added in the fourteenth century.

See a video from yesterday’s work at thepress.co.uk/news