JULY 2011 - Chocs Away for New Yorkshire Attraction |
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The immersive experience will tell the story of York’s confectionery trading and manufacturing past,  bringing the story up to date and making sure that visitors get lots of opportunities to interact with chocolate! Work has started on transforming a 6,400 square foot city centre site at the end of the world famous Shambles, in King’s Square, owned by Oakgate. Globally renowned experiential design company MET Studio has been appointed to create an exciting and interactive journey through York’s sweet story. When the doors open, visitors will be treated to the inside story of the famous chocolates and sweets that started their lives in York. Favourites expected to have a starring role in the delicious new attraction include the chocolate bar everyone wants to have a break with, Kit Kat, and Christmas stocking favourite, Terry’s Chocolate Orange; not forgetting a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the amazing men and women who concocted all these chocolate creations from the 19th to the 21st century. Juliana Delaney, chief executive of Continuum commented: “York has had chocolate and confectionery at its heart for over 150 years. This is a tale as important as any to that of York and the UK’s industrial and cultural heritage, yet it remains untold until now. We are very much looking forward to bringing the story to life and have already received fantastic support for the project from the City Council, Science City York, Visit York, Welcome to Yorkshire and all the confectionery companies – past and present – involved in the city. Reports produced by the Council call for additions to the tourism offer in York and we hope to add value to the fantastic visitor experience the city already offers and give visitors a reason to come back to Yorkshire. “The people of Yorkshire have played a valuable role in York’s sweet story and we would love for them to get in touch with us. Most people who have lived in Yorkshire all their lives will know someone who worked at one of the city’s confectionery dynasties. We know that there are lots of stories to be told and would like to hear from anyone who would like to share their memories.” John Grantham, the chief executive of the Wetherby-based Oakgate Group, the developers of York House, King’s Square, which will be home to the new attraction, said: “We are delighted to welcome Continuum to York House. The company’s record in creating and running quality tourist attractions is exemplary and the idea of creating a chocolate experience in the centre of York is extremely exciting. We are extensively renovating the building to make it the perfect home for such an exciting venture.” “King’s Square is one of York’s unsung jewels. It is the meeting point of many of the city’s busiest throughfares and is a very significant part of the city centre. The chocolate experience will provide a much-needed focal point for this historic square and attract a good many visitors, boosting the city’s economy and breathing life into its heart. “York has the most amazing confectionery heritage and the chocolate experience will highlight this. We are very pleased to be associated with such an imaginative project.” If you would like to share your sweet story please visit www.sweethistoryofyork.com |
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