Prepare for a vibrant transformation as STACK Leeds sets its sights on Kirkgate Market, bringing a dynamic container-based leisure destination brimming with food, drinks, and live entertainment to the heart of the city.
This exciting development promises to invigorate the market, create 160 jobs, and seamlessly integrate to boost the local economy and attract a fresh wave of visitors.
What is STACK Leeds and how will it impact Kirkgate Market?
STACK Leeds is a new container-based leisure destination set to open at Kirkgate Market, offering food, drinks, live entertainment, and supporting independent businesses. The venue aims to boost local economy, increase footfall, create 160 jobs, and seamlessly integrate with existing market traders.
A New Era for Leeds Kirkgate Market
Leeds Kirkgate Market, a landmark at the heart of the city, is poised to welcome an innovative leisure attraction that promises to reshape its outdoor trading area. After months of negotiations and planning, Leeds City Council has formalized a lease agreement with STACK, a renowned operator specializing in container-based leisure venues. This agreement marks a significant milestone, paving the way for an exciting blend of food, drink, and entertainment set in a dynamic, urban environment.
The new destination, known as STACK Leeds, is designed to serve as a vibrant social hub. Drawing inspiration from successful STACK projects in other UK cities, the venue will be constructed from repurposed shipping containers, offering a unique aesthetic and functional flexibility. The development is envisioned as a two-floor structure featuring a central plaza, which will be sheltered by a versatile ‘stretch tent’ – ensuring year-round usability regardless of the weather.
Leeds City Council and STACK have expressed their commitment to integrating this new venue seamlessly with the market’s existing offerings. As Councillor Jonathan Pryor stated, “Together we are determined to ensure that the new venue is very much part of the market, rather than a standalone attraction. Every person heading to STACK Leeds will also be a potential shopper, whether that’s on the day or during a return visit.”
Features and Facilities of STACK Leeds
The plans for STACK Leeds promise an engaging and multifaceted experience for visitors. A central highlight will be the large plaza area, which will house two prominent digital screens and a stage. This space is set to host a diverse program of live music and other entertainment, contributing to a lively atmosphere both day and night. Such programming is designed to attract a broad audience, enriching the city’s cultural landscape and supporting local talent.
Food and beverage options will be another major draw. The site will include ten street food outlets, six bars, and a dedicated coffee shop, curated to offer a wide variety of choices to suit different tastes and preferences. This array of vendors aims to support independent businesses, reflecting STACK’s broader mission, as outlined by CEO Neill Winch: “Our focus remains on creating spaces that celebrate local culture, support independent businesses and provide somewhere people can come together to enjoy great food, drink and live entertainment.”
The proposed venue will be open seven days a week, from early morning until late evening, maximizing accessibility and convenience for both locals and tourists. Once completed, STACK Leeds is expected to generate approximately 160 new jobs, providing a significant economic boost and new opportunities for employment in the city centre.
Impact on the Market and Local Economy
The arrival of STACK Leeds is anticipated to have a ripple effect across Kirkgate Market and the wider city. With more than 2.5 million visitors to STACK’s flagship venue in Seaburn since its opening in 2020 and successful launches in other cities like Lincoln, Middlesbrough, and Newcastle, the concept has proven its ability to draw crowds and invigorate urban spaces. Leeds hopes to replicate this success, increasing footfall and broadening the market’s customer base.
Currently, the outdoor trading area accommodates up to 185 stalls, though only about 85 are filled on peak days. If the STACK proposal receives the necessary licensing and planning approvals, some of this space will be repurposed for the new development. Importantly, the reconfigured layout will still provide ample room for all current traders and new arrivals, ensuring that existing market activities are preserved and enhanced.
Rental payments from STACK will introduce a new income stream for Leeds City Council, supporting ongoing investments in market infrastructure. As quoted by Councillor Pryor, “It is this kind of new custom – combined with the much-appreciated support of existing shoppers – that will help the site’s many and varied businesses prosper for years to come.”
Investment and Future Developments
The construction of STACK Leeds will be funded entirely by the operator, minimizing financial risk for the council while maximizing potential benefits. Phase one of a £10 million restoration and improvement project for the market’s historic 1875 ‘blockshops’ was recently completed, with the final phase nearing its conclusion. These enhancements demonstrate a sustained commitment to maintaining and upgrading the market’s heritage assets.
The STACK brand continues to expand nationwide, with venues at various stages of planning or development in cities such as Bishop Auckland, Durham, Whitley Bay, Manchester, Sheffield, Wigan, and Carlisle. This growing portfolio underscores the popularity and adaptability of STACK’s container-based leisure concept. For more information about STACK’s operations, visit the official STACK website.
Leeds City Council has already submitted a premises licence application for STACK Leeds, with a full planning application to follow. If approvals are secured, construction could begin by early 2026, with the aim of opening the venue later that year. As the city awaits these developments, anticipation is high for what promises to be a transformative addition to Leeds Kirkgate Market and the surrounding community.
- STACK Leeds is a new container-based leisure destination opening at Kirkgate Market, offering food, drinks, and live entertainment.
- The development aims to create 160 new jobs and significantly boost the local economy by increasing footfall to the market.
- STACK Leeds will feature ten street food outlets, six bars, a coffee shop, and a central plaza with a stage for live entertainment.
- Leeds City Council and STACK are committed to integrating the new venue seamlessly with existing market traders to benefit all businesses.
- Construction could begin by early 2026 with an aim to open later that year, pending necessary licensing and planning approvals.