PLANS for a new community cafe in Hull Road Park are a step closer to reality now temporary buildings have arrived - but councillors are on the hunt for someone to run the venture.

The arrival of the four temporary cabins follows two years of work by Hull Road ward’s councillors in a bid to increase community activity in the area and create somewhere for people to come together.

Now they face the challenge of finding an organisation to run the cafe. Cllr Hilary Shepherd said: “The power supply has been installed, and buildings have landed and in a short period of time we’ll be ready for an operator to come in.

“Whilst there is no specific stipulation, we’re expecting a social enterprise or not-for-profit organisation to run the cafe and hope the progress currently being made will generate some interest.”

Cllr Shepherd said they were particularly keen to see a new operator get in touch soon so they can have a hand in finishing the building work.

She added: “We’re keen to hear from prospective operators so they can have a say in how the cafe is fitted out.”

The new cabins have been on the cards since planning permission was granted in November 2016, and they are now on site at the old bowling green on Alcuin Avenue, off Hull Road.

Small community group York Flourish had been hoping to take on the cafe, but hasn’t been able to continue with the project.

Work in the park has already seen the existing pavilion upgraded, while part of the perimeter fencing had to be removed to allow access for the buildings. There are plans to plant new shrubs on the Alcuin Avenue side of the park once the work is completed, and the nearby tennis courts have also been resurfaced.

Anyone interested in operating the cafe can contact ward councillor Hilary Shepherd at cllr.hshepherd@york.gov.uk.