PLANS have been submitted to create a street food and social enterprise hub on a derelict site in York city centre.

The development, by community interest company Spark:York, would feature 20 shipping containers on the former Reynard's garage site on Piccadilly, repurposed as a venue for retail, restaurant, office and performance space.

The plans also include a co-working space for more than 20 socially-minded enterprises, community herb garden and a free meeting space for local groups.

Spark:York says the three-year project would open by this summer, and close by June 30, 2020.

Sam Leach, Spark:York director, explained: "The plans we've submitted reflect a six-month process of consultation with local residents and businesses.

"Ideas have been adapted and matured, reflecting the opinions and local people who are seeking to regenerate a tired part of our city.

"We have listened, and feel these are exciting and professional plans that will greatly enhance the area."

The applicant claims there have been nearly 300 expressions of interest from small, local businesses and individuals who are seeking a place in York to showcase their talents.

Spark:York director Tom McKenzie added: "We have highlighted an unmet need for affordable space in York. By speaking to numerous potential tenants, it is to us clear that city centre rents prohibit business ideas becoming a reality across the city. We hope to change that."

Spark:York says, as a community interest company, it will re-invest all of its profits into activities that benefit York residents.

The site will be 100 per cent accessible to all and will focus on inclusivity, according to Joe Gardham, who is also a Spark:York director.

He said: "We are excited to engage people from all corners of York, including those most vulnerable, isolated and on the fringes of our communities.

"We will run programmes for York's older population, helping fight social isolation and loneliness. We will support health and wellbeing outcomes by running daily low intensity fitness sessions. We've been in discussion with York Mumbler to create a much-needed city centre space for parents to socialise and access services, and hope to attract schools and young people to take part in fun, interactive educational sessions.

"By working with these communities, we hope to reduce the strain on local public services, improve quality of life for York residents, and enhance life chances for those unable to access opportunities."

The application, submitted by Spark:York to City of York Council, seeks full planning permission. The scheme has already got the approval of the council’s executive, who approved a three-year lease for the site.