THE opening date for an innovative business start-up and social space made from shipping containers in York city centre has been revealed.

Spark:York will open to the public on May 4 at 4pm.

The project is the first of its kind in the North of England, and is transforming the former Reynard’s Garage site on Piccadilly into a unique affordable space for more than 20 small local businesses.

Alongside a vibrant food and drink offering will be independent retailers, a business hub, and a performance space sponsored by the University of York St John.

Spark:York director Tom McKenzie said: "Everyone at Spark is hugely excited to announce the launch of the project after what has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes for close to two years.

"The scheme has undoubtedly divided opinion at times, but we feel that creating a home for over 20 small, independent businesses in York will add significant value to the independent business community. All of our traders have stuck by us through some delays to the build, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for keeping faith in the project.

"We look to the future with positivity, and we cannot wait to welcome visitors to the site over the coming months.”

Local residents will be among the first to see the site, with tours planned for the last week in April.

Another Spark:York director, Sam Leach, added: "As a community interest company, the local residents and social impact has always been at the forefront of our minds. We have engaged with local residents and businesses throughout the process, and will continue to do so.

"We see this is a real chance to redefine how York is viewed by both residents and visitors to the city. We want to prove that communities and business can be fundamentally aligned to achieve growth, increase opportunities, and bring people together.

"Tom and I are life-long York residents, so we understand and respect York’s rich cultural heritage, and hope Spark:York will demonstrate how our city can also benefit from innovation."

The site will be accessible to all and has been set up with strong social and community objectives at its heart, providing space and support for local community groups.

Vaughan Lewis is from York start-up wine-on-tap business, Liquid Liberation.

He said: "Our business is all about doing things differently and taking inspiration from what we’ve seen work so well overseas and in the UK. Being able to bring a fresh way of enjoying quality produce to our home city via this innovative project is incredibly exciting and we don’t believe we could get a better start in the city than Spark:York."

A launch party will showcase Spark:York on May 3. Specially invited guests will be treated to a first view of the site, tasters from the food outlets, beer brewed on site, cocktails, wine, live music and immersive theatre.