SPARK:York retailers have taken £1.5million in the first six months of opening – twice what was expected – and Spark directors are considering a new planning application for its controversial exterior.

The temporary retail park, in former shipping containers in Piccadilly, expected to take £750,000 in its first six months but has turned over £1.5m.

Meanwhile, Spark:York bosses are working with the city council to resolve a long-running planning dispute regarding its street-art exterior, which is supposed to be covered in timber cladding.

Co-founder and director Sam Leach said: "There is the potential for a middle-ground solution that doesn't need appealing: clean up the outside and make it more fitting for a conservation area."

In a second issue, updated drawings still need to be submitted to the local authority regarding the new canopy roof and lift that has been installed, which still needs to be approved by planners.

Council leader Ian Gillies, an original supporter of the scheme, welcomed the news Spark was making money because 30 per cent of its profits were to be repaid to the local authority. "It's good news for the people of York if it is a success and making money," he said.

Spark told The Press it would be in a position to reveal its profit figures in the New Year.

However Cllr Gillies urged the directors to settle the planning dispute by installing cladding. "I have sympathy with people who think it's an eyesore – I do. But they have to realise that with success comes challenges and you can't ignore planning regulations."

Spark bosses said they were delighted that the retail park was achieving its original goals of operating a social enterprise for the whole community and giving start-up businesses a chance to trade in the city centre. They said all the units were occupied or reserved and they were taking three or four inquiries each week from prospective new traders.

Next year they will open a business hub at Spark for students and graduates, offering mentoring opportunities with the aim of retaining young, entrepreneurial talent in the city. Sam Leach said: "The retention rate of York students is just two per cent." Many students, he added, moved to London, Leeds or Manchester, and Spark would like to help change that.

SPARK IN NUMBERS

• £1.5m turnover across the site.

• More than 400 hours of community activities and events (most of which are either pay-as-you-feel or free).

• Visitor numbers: 250,000.

• Over 60 jobs created on the site, some for people from marginalised backgrounds or who have learning disabilities.

• Around £600,000 investment in delivering the project, with more than £50,000 reinvested in improvements and capital investment.

• Businesses paying between £80-£250 per week in rent (average: £150)

• 70 per cent of current businesses have had no previous permanent location and classified as start-up. After reserved units filled, this will be 85 per cent.

• Some 82 per cent of businesses are from York (or York postcode).

• Around 1,000sqm commercial space provided across 23 shipping containers.