Work has begun on a new chocolate-themed visitor attraction in York.

The attraction – which has the working title The Sweet History of York - is being developed by Continuum and will celebrate the city's chocolate and confectionery heritage.

Work has started on transforming a three-storey building at the end of the city's famous Shambles street and an opening date is planned for spring 2012.

The 6,400sq ft of available space on three floors is part of a larger building, owned by Oakgate; an existing bookshop will remain.

Design company MET Studio has been appointed to create the attraction's interactive journey, which will also include retail space and a café.

Once open, visitors to the centre will be able to learn the 'inside story' of chocolate production in York - including popular products such as Kit Kat and Terry's Chocolate Orange.

Juliana Delaney, chief executive of Continuum said: "York has had chocolate and confectionery at its heart for over 150 years.

"The project has already received fantastic support from Welcome to Yorkshire, Visit York, the City Council, Science City York and all the confectionery companies involved in the city now and in the past."

Continuum currently operates five attractions in the UK - the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth; the Real Mary King's Close in Edinburgh; The Canterbury Tales in Canterbury; Oxford Castle - Unlocked in Oxford; and Kent Life, a 50 acre heritage farm park near Maidstone.