PART of a former York city centre pub is being transformed into a shared workspace for businesses in the creative industries.

The historic former home of the Pavement Vaults, in Pavement, will see its second floors converted into office space for up to 30 people.

The project is the brainchild of York creative business owners Stuart Goulden and Rick Chadwick, who have taken on the lease for the property and invested an undisclosed amount in the renovations.

Due to open next month, ACOLLECTIVE is split over eight rooms, with the original features of the building remaining to the exterior, and Gregg's the baker still operating from the ground floor.

The duo say they aim to create an "inspiring working environment" in which like minded creatives can grow their businesses and collaborate.

Mr Chadwick, a freelance digital developer who runs his venture Made in Beta, said: "We decided to create our ideal workspace after struggling to find what we were looking for elsewhere.

"A long search for the ideal city centre location and a lot of hard work later and we hope lots of other people will enjoy the space too."

As well as a distinctive look the pair say they are want to create a community element to the offering.

Mr Goulden, who runs creative consultancy Like No Other, said: "We want ACOLLECTIVE to be home to lots of interesting people doing interesting things.

"We know the sector is growing at a rapid pace and we hope it appeals to artists and businesses currently working from home, coffee shops or in uninspiring serviced offices.

"Our aim is to provide an inspiring environment in which young and energetic companies can grow and collaborate.

"We’re as excited about the plans for the Guildhall Media Arts Centre as the rest of the sector but we exist to fill an immediate need and we aim to appeal to what you might call the future generation of Guildhall tenants."