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FORTY years ago this week, Evening Press readers were presented with a picture of this model:

York Press:

It showed the plan for a new precinct that many hoped would bring a huge boost to the city's shopping scene.

Stonegate Arcade was duly built, amid much excitement. Work began in 1979 and it opened in 1981, with space for 18 shops and entrances from Blake Street and Stonegate. But the excitement was short-lived.

By 1984, traders were leaving and telling the Evening Press that it had been a disaster, and said the entrances from Stonegate were not adequately promoted.

In 1986, a facelift was proposed. In 1987, there was talk of gutting the whole area and starting again.

York Press:

Then in 1989, by which time the arcade housed 21 shops, a £1 million facelift was agreed.

It was renamed as Stonegate Walk, and housed a number of well-respected businesses, many pictured above. 

Eventually though, the owners had to admit defeat. The arcade closed at the turn of the century, although the eagle-eyed may still spot the gates and one small sign in Stonegate, small reminders of a brief chapter in York's recent past.