A YORK baker is hoping to transform Micklegate into a foodie-focussed street as part of plans to by opening a new bakery, restaurant and artisan shop.

Under plans already approved by City of York Council, the former Blake Head Book Shop is set to become the new home of Bluebird bakery and Rattle Owl cafe and restaurant.

The small unit on the left of the double fronted shop, which forms part of the Grade II listed building, will become the Owlet - a “pop up” shop for local artisan food producers.

Plans have also been submitted to the council to excavate the cellar of the property which is believed to be sitting on top of a Roman road, with hopes of incorporating it into the current building design and allowing it to be displayed.

The plans are being spearheaded by Clarissa O’Callaghan who wanted to create a new restaurant championing local produce.

She approached Bluebird bakery owner Al Kippax, who has been running his baking business from Newgate Market, to see if he wanted to join the venture.

Mr Kippax, who worked as a chef in London and York before starting out on his own producing bread, said: “Bluebird Bakery has proved incredibly popular since it started in my kitchen two and a half years ago.

“Keen to expand on its current popularity and the capture the market in the desire for consumers to under - stand where food comes from, the next stage is securing retail premises to expand our range from the current four core and seven speciality breads into other bakery products, and increase production from 240 loaves a week to 1000.

“I can’t wait to get up and running in the shop, it’s been a long time coming.

Micklegate is a beautiful street and in the past has had a bit of a bad reputation as a drinkers' run. A few nice cafes and restaurants have opened since and I’m hoping once we open it will create a difference vibe down here to more of a foodie street.”

While plans for the cafe and restaurant are still being finalised, Bluebird Bakery will initially open in the Owlet space, and is due to open in a few weeks, with the rest of venture set to come together within months.