Spark bids to stay in York for another five years
Councillors will make a decision next week
Last updated 2nd Oct 2025
Spark’s bid to stay at its current home for another five years is set to go before councillors for a decision next week.
York Council planning officers have recommended approving the food, drinks and events venue’s application to stay at its Piccadilly site when it is heard on Thursday, October 9.
Spark stated ending its temporary permission prematurely would risk the collapse of a proven, valuable business ecosystem and leave the Piccadilly site empty, with 18 comments in support also lodged.
But 12 objectors including nearby residents said there were issues with noise and smells from the venue and its shipping containers were harming York’s historic city centre.
The venue opened in 2018 and it offers spaces for start-up food and drinks ventures, hosts events and provides co-working facilities.
It is due to move to the York Central development in the future but Spark’s application stated it would not be feasible to move there until 2029 at the earliest.
Consent for the venue remaining at its current site would be extended to September 2030 if councillors approve the application.
Spark’s request to stage up to six amplified live music events a year has been dropped from the plans.
Conditions recommended if plans are approved include prohibiting amplified sound that exceeds background noise levels.
The venue would not be allowed to have amplified noise after 9pm from Sunday to Thursday.
It comes in response to 11 historic complaints lodged with the council’s public protection team from six households neighbouring the site.
Two of the complaints have been made since permission for the venue was last extended in 2022.
The 12 objections lodged against its latest extension plans include some who said they had bought their homes on the assumption that the venue was there temporarily.
Others said noise and cooking smells constantly come from the site while it is open and discarded food left nearby was an environmental health issue.
Objectors also said its shipping containers were inappropriate in York’s historic conservation area, with one branding them hideous.
But the 18 people who commented in support said it was a valued community space that was having a positive effect on the city.
Supporters said the venue never felt like a late-night destination and people choosing to live in the city centre should not complain about activity typical to such a location.
Spark’s application stated it proactively communicated with its neighbours including through a dedicated WhatsApp group, emails and in-person meetings.
It added the venue had created more than 60 jobs, supported about 65 fledgling businesses and £5m-a-year had been turned over there since it opened in 2018.
The application stated: “A five-year continuation is necessary because relocation to York Central is not yet deliverable.
“This will allow Spark to continue making a positive contribution to York’s economy, cultural life and regeneration efforts while upholding its strong track record of community respect and responsible management.”