PLANS have been submitted to create a street food and social enterprise hub on a derelict site in the heart of the region’s tourism capital.

The development, by community interest company Spark:York, would feature 20 shipping containers on the former Reynard’s garage site on Piccadilly, repurposed as a venue for retail, restaurant, office and performance space.

The plans also include a co-working space for more than 20 socially-minded enterprises, a community herb garden and a free meeting space for local groups.

The company says the three-year project would open by this summer and would close by the end of June, 2020.

One of the directors, Sam Leach said: “The plans we’ve submitted reflect a six-month process of consultation with local residents and businesses.

“Ideas have been adapted and matured, reflecting the opinions and local people who are seeking to regenerate a tired part of our city.

“We have listened, and feel these are exciting and professional plans that will greatly enhance the area.”

There have already been nearly 300 expressions of interest from small local businesses and individuals who are seeking a place in the city to showcase their talents.

The scheme has already got the approval of the council’s executive, which has approved a three-year lease for the site.