York seems to lack that one pinnacle hotspot where the city fuses over great art, culture, food and drink. Spark:York will fill this gap, whilst allowing local and independent businesses to blossom. It will be a place where families and friends can enjoy diverse street food and drink in a safe, relaxed space in the City Centre; all corners of society can enjoy free art and culture; makers and creatives can produce and exhibit; and the extraordinary talents of York people can innovate and inspire one another. Spark:York is designed around upcycled shipping containers, creating quick, affordable units centred around a community courtyard garden and social space. Small, relevant, start-up businesses on site will include food, drink, retail, art studios and galleries, music, comedy, cultural exhibitions, festivals, and workspace. Planning permission and a three year lease have been granted, and we plan to open in August.

What we'll deliver:

• A big launch party in Jul/Aug to celebrate everybody who has helped towards the opening of the site.
• Deliver a sociable community courtyard with comfortable seating.
• Ensure lighting, heating and covering of the community space.

Why it's a great idea:

Where can I....? “...get decent, unique food without the formalities of a traditional dining experience?" “...go in between meetings to work for a couple of hours and meet others?” “...as a start up, find affordable space in York?” “...as a parent go to socialise with my children in the city centre?” "...as an older resident, go to meet others and socialise in a comfortable, inclusive environment?" Increasingly, the people of York are asking these questions. And Spark:York is designed to answer them. York struggles greatly with affordable space for local people to do inspiring, enterprising and charitable things. This project offers the solution - a vibrant and creative future for the City of York.

Steps to get it done:

• Installing and arranging the public spaces of the site.
• Purchasing the necessary furniture and equipment for the site.
• Throwing a Launch Party to all those who have helped contribute to the project!

Individuals Each individual that support us will receive two tickets to the VIP exclusive opening. Every little helps, and this is the opportunity to be part of the City's rich history. Businesses As a Community Interest Company, we can help you achieve your corporate social objectives. Donate £3,000 to sponsor a container, and receive good PR, share our social outcomes, and have your logo displayed across the site.