A CONTEMPORARY food hall and market could open in York city centre.

A licensing application has been submitted by Try Market Halls to open the venue in Stonebow House.

The company says it is hoping to “redefine” the British concept of food halls and plans to host a number of different eateries at the site. It is also planning to open three venues in London.

A spokesperson said: “Try Market Halls have applied for a premises licence on the Stonebow premises in York.

“This will be for a food hall providing several kitchens with operators from the lively independent restaurant scene in York.”

The food hall would take over the ground floor of the building and part of the basement.

Draft layout plans show 14 kitchen units on the ground floor around the edge of the hall with communal seating in the middle. Toilets, staff changing rooms and a cellar will be installed on the floor below.

The business has applied for a licence to organise live music, plays, films and dance performances at the site as well as plans to sell alcohol until 1am seven days a week.

Application documents say the food hall and market would operate from 6.30am to 1.30am every day.

The company says it hopes to make an “unprecedented mark on the UK dining scene”, adding it is bringing in a new era for food halls with branches planned for Fulham, Victoria and the West End as well as York.

Further sites are planned for London and other regions but the locations have not yet been revealed.

The founders say they aim to turn “unloved public spaces” with architectural or historic interest back into public use.

More information about the food hall and market is set to be released soon.

Stonebow House is being redesigned and refurbished with two commercial units and 17 luxury apartments.

In December plans were unveiled for a gym to lease 8,800 sq ft on the ground floor of the building complete with a full range of exercise equipment, studio, spa recovery zone and a licensed bar and restaurant.

Stonebow House was built in 1964 following York’s slum clearance programme and often featured in worst building lists in the UK.

The external works to the structure are being completed by Wetherby-based Oakgate Group. The development will include 17 apartments in the six storey block with private balconies and parking.

Penthouse apartments boast views of York Minster. Four flats have already been sold and three are currently reserved, while one penthouse apartment has been sold and two are reserved.