YORK’S Micklegate Bar will be repeatedly closed to traffic this summer to allow for major restoration work on the historic structure.

The project is part of a £1.5 million scheme to preserve and protect York’s medieval city walls, announced last month by City of York Council.

It involves replacing the Bar’s roof and guttering by stripping it back, replacing the timberwork and installing stainless steel strengthening ‘shoes’ to roof beams.

The authority said road closures would be needed to allow the work to be carried out safely, with a full closure for three weeks when the first phase starts on June 12, as scaffolding is put up to allow a temporary roof to be installed.

The next phase will be the main works between July 24 and Friday September 29, when the outbound road will be closed but the inbound road will remain open.

Another full closure will be needed for the final phase, when scaffolding is dismantled, probably between October 2 and October 22.

Two new walkway gates will be installed, allowing the Henry VII Experience museum to remain open and both stairways allowing people access onto the walls will remain open to pedestrians at all times.

The council said Micklegate retailers and businesses had been consulted in advance and invited to attend meetings with the authority, and letters were also sent to all premises.

Head of transport Tony Clarke said: “We want everyone to benefit from this road closure, so it’s important that we can help traders and retailers take advantage of the reduced traffic in the area.

“We’ll be installing a huge wrap on the bar to make this area look much more attractive during the works. We hope this will encourage even more pedestrians to shop down Micklegate too.”

Shelagh Garside, chair of the Micklegate Traders’ Association, said she was concerned about the street closing but, after meetings with the council, understood the work was essential if the Bar was to be preserved for future generations. During this time, Micklegate will always be open for business as usual, with us trialling one or two new incentives on the street,” she said.

“We will be having a street food day where the cafes and restaurants can use the space outside to serve food.” She added that the Autohorn Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge will go ahead on Monday, August 28.