Spark York wants to stay in situ for another five years – and host its first live music events.
The hugely popular box park has planning permission to stay on Piccadilly until 30 September.
According to the conditions, it must cease trading by that date and before then submit a plan to City of York Council for the complete removal of the business and all its structures.
Under a new planning application, Spark – home to street food vendors, bars, shops, businesses and community events – is asking to stay on site for an additional five years, to 30 September 2030.
Ultimately Spark wants to move to a new home on the York Central site. But it’s not ready for them yet.
In its planning documents, Spark states: “A five-year continuation is necessary because relocation to York Central is not yet deliverable.
“Based on current site preparation and infrastructure timescales, a suitable relocation will not be feasible until at least 2029–2030.
“Ending the temporary permission prematurely would risk the collapse of a proven, valuable ecosystem and result in four vacant sites on Piccadilly at a critical time in the Castle Gateway regeneration programme.”
In 2023, the council granted Spark an extension on its lease on the Piccadilly site to 31 October 2026. The lease, of course, is separate to planning permission.
The Spark team also wants the council to lift a ban on live music at the venue, imposed “in the interests of residential amenity”.
They want permits for up to six live amplified music events per calendar year.
The documents state: “This request is justified by:
- Spark’s five-year record of zero noise complaints
- A proactive approach to neighbour communication, including a dedicated WhatsApp group, direct email contact, and in-person meetings
- Pre-application engagement with residents, leading to refinements in the plan.”
Events would finish by 10pm if staged on a Friday, Saturday or Bank Holiday Sunday, and 9pm on other days.
“These events will support local musicians, contribute to York’s cultural life, and bring occasional, carefully controlled vibrancy to the site – particularly in quieter off-peak periods,” Spark says.
“Other city centre venues in York have hosted 17 open-air live music events within a two-month period.
“By contrast, Spark seeks approval for just six controlled events per year, each supported by a robust Noise Management Plan.
“This represents a proportionate and modest approach that recognises both the value of cultural activation and the importance of protecting residential amenity.”
Spark has an annual turnover of £5 million, supports 60 jobs, and has seen 25 businesses move from the box park into permanent high street premises.
You can read and comment on the application here.