What Is The York BID Support York Initiative For High Petergate Businesses?

If you've been wandering around York lately, you might have noticed some work going on around the famous Bootham Bar. It's getting a bit of a spruce-up, which is fantastic news for preserving the city's amazing history. But, when there's scaffolding and barriers, it can sometimes make people think a street is closed off or tricky to get to.

The businesses on High Petergate, the street leading right from the Bar, are still very much open and could use a bit of extra love. That's where a new plan from the York BID comes in. They've launched a campaign called 'Support York' to encourage people to visit and support all the brilliant local businesses during the conservation works. It's a simple idea designed to keep the area buzzing.

A little help for High Petergate

The whole idea behind the 'Support York' campaign is pretty straightforward. It's a trial run by the York BID to give a boost to the shops and eateries located between numbers 1 and 32 on High Petergate. You probably know some of them already, like the lovely Little Apple Bookshop, the cosy Fat Badger pub, or the 22 Yards Wine Bar. These are just a few of the independent businesses that make the street so special.

The conservation works on Bootham Bar are essential, nobody's arguing with that, but they can be a bit of a pain for the businesses nearby. It can mean fewer people just happening to wander past. So, this campaign is a way to give people a little nudge, a reminder that these amazing places are still there and would love to see them. This support is all about keeping the heart of this part of the city beating strong while the important restoration happens. The campaign is set to run all the way until December, giving plenty of time for people to get involved and show their support.

So, how does it work? (and how can you win fifty quid?)

This is the really fun bit. The campaign isn't just asking for support; it's giving something back too. It's a monthly giveaway, and taking part is dead easy. The goal is to encourage everyone, from residents to those on a day visit, to continue enjoying this historic part of York. Here's what you need to do:

• Starting from Tuesday 5th August, just pop into any of the participating businesses on High Petergate.
• Spend £10 or more on whatever you fancy - a book, a pint, a slice of cake, you name it.
• Take a quick photo of your receipt with your phone and email it to info@theyorkbid.com.

And that's it. You're then in the draw to win a £50 York Gift Card. A new winner is picked every month, so there are multiple chances to win. What's a York Gift Card? It's basically a key to the city. You can spend it in over 350 different businesses across York, from big high-street names to tiny independent gems. So, by supporting one local business, you could win the chance to support another. It's a great way to encourage people to explore what the city has to offer and to support other businesses.

Why now? The story behind the support

This whole initiative didn't just appear out of thin air. The York BID has done something similar before. Remember the 'Shop York' campaign back in February? That was also about encouraging people to support high street businesses, and it went down really well. So, they've taken that successful idea and adapted it for the specific situation on High Petergate. The timing is all down to the Bootham Bar conservation works.

It's a big project, and while it's vital for protecting the historic gateway to the city, the team at York BID and the City of York Council, who are funding the project, knew it could have a knock-on effect. They wanted to do something proactive to support the nearby businesses. It's not just about the giveaway, either. As part of the Support York campaign, new information towers have been put up. These are basically big, clear signs that point visitors down High Petergate, letting everyone know that it's business as usual. It's a simple but smart way to combat any confusion and keep the footfall steady. It's a proper team effort to ensure the conservation works happen smoothly without hurting local trade.

What are people saying?

It's always good to hear from the people involved directly. Carl Alsop, who is the Operations Manager at York BID, is clearly enthusiastic about the campaign. He said: "We're really excited to launch Support York to encourage people to use the high street throughout the High Petergate conservation works. It's a win-win, support your favourite local business and you could win £50 to spend across the city!" You can feel the positivity there. It really does sound like a win-win situation for everyone. But what about the businesses themselves? Philippa Morris, the owner of the Little Apple Bookshop, shared how much this support means.

She said: "We are so pleased to have York BID help us celebrate High Petergate and support us through a tricky time. Bootham Bar really is the gateway to the city and whilst our gateway is being repaired, it's lovely to remind people of all the unique shops and business we have along High Petergate." Her words really highlight the community spirit. It shows that this campaign is more than just a marketing stunt; it's a genuine effort to support local people and their livelihoods during a potentially disruptive period for their business. It's a reminder of the unique character that these businesses bring to the city of York.

A quick recap on how to get involved

So, to wrap it all up, the message is simple: High Petergate is open for business and would appreciate a visit. The conservation works at Bootham Bar are important, but they don't mean you should avoid one of York's loveliest streets. The Support York campaign is a brilliant reason to pop down. Think about it. You could be wandering through the city, decide to pop into a shop on High Petergate for a browse, and end up buying a little something for a tenner. A quick snap of the receipt and a short email later, and you could be £50 richer in York Gift Card credit.

That's enough for a nice meal out, a couple of rounds at the pub, or a good chunk off a new outfit. It's a fantastic incentive to support the local economy. The campaign is a testament to how the city comes together. The York BID, funded by the City of York Council, is making a real effort to support businesses when they need it most. This effort to support these places ensures that while the city preserves its history, it also protects its present and future. So next time you plan a visit to the city centre, make a point of walking down High Petergate. You'll be doing a good thing for the local business community, and who knows, you might just get lucky.