Spark- York food and drinks venue revamp plans lodged

Changes proposed at Spark:York include expanding its Piccadilly entrance area so it can be used for events, gatherings and other activities.

Improvements to the venue’s layout, decluttering its forecourt, repairs, redecorating and new furniture are also proposed in plans lodged with York Council.

The venue’s application stated the changes would help it continue to evolve while it remains in its current location.

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It comes after Spark’s application to extend its stay at its Piccadilly home for another five years was approved by the council in October.

The venue, which opened in 2018, is set to remain at the site until September 2030 when operators hope to move it to York Central which is yet to be built.

Spark offers food and drinks businesses space so they can launch and grow ahead of potential moves to their own premises.

Around 430,000 people visit the venue every year and it had supported 65 fledgling businesses and was turning over around £5m-a-year as of last year, according to company figures.

The latest plans from the venue would see heavy furniture removed from its entrance hall and outside decking extended.

Plans stated those changes aimed to reinforce Spark’s role as a civic and cultural destination, allowing it to host mobile art exhibitions, maker sessions and other creative events.

The entrance to Spark, in Piccadilly, York (Image: Spark)

They added it could also be used as a lounge and social space to help provide a welcoming environment throughout the year.

The venue’s lift is also set to be moved to the back of the ground floor and a new canopy is also planned to provide more shelter to seats.

First floor decking is set to be extended in three places so seating capacity for food and drinks vendors can be expanded and ground floor space can be freed up.

A new lightwell is also set to be created so that more daylight can reach the ground floor entrance hall.

The front staircase is also set to be reoriented so it faces the entrance, which plans stated would be more inviting for visitors moving to the first floor.

A public drop-in exhibit of the plans is set to be held at Spark from 3pm to 5pm daily so people can view and comment on the plans.

The application stated the venue was committed to working with traders, visitors and its neighbours as the project progresses.

Plans stated: “Since opening, Spark has become a well-loved and established destination.

“However, the site is now showing signs of cosmetic wear and tear.

“This application seeks consent for a series of modest enhancements
to support and improve the ongoing operation and accessibility of Spark.”

Sam Leach, the venue’s co-founder, told councillors at its planning hearing in October it was a York success story and its continuation would protect jobs and nurture local enterprise.

But 12 objections were lodged to it staying at the site, including from people living in the neighbouring Nelson’s Yard complaining about noise and smells from the venue.

The council is currently investigating a complaint made about an orange balloon installed on the venue’s roof.