Plans for a ‘container-style’ food village by STACK at Leeds Kirkgate Market aim to boost the economy, create jobs, support independent businesses, and enhance community engagement. The initiative is pending planning and licensing approvals, with STACK covering construction costs.
What are the plans for the new food village at Leeds Kirkgate Market?
The plans for Leeds Kirkgate Market include a transformative ‘container-style’ food village operated by STACK, known for sustainable leisure destinations. This initiative aims to boost the economy, create jobs, extend market hours, support independent businesses, and enhance community engagement, while respecting the market’s historical significance. The project awaits planning and licensing approvals, with STACK bearing construction costs.
Vision for Leeds Kirkgate Market
Leeds Kirkgate Market, a historical and vibrant part of Leeds city life, is on the brink of an exciting transformation. The plans for a new food village have progressed with the announcement of a preferred operator for the ‘container-style’ venue. This development is poised to reshape the outdoor trading area of the market with a sustainable and modern approach.
Leeds City Council, recognizing the significance of Leeds Kirkgate Market to the city’s retail landscape, floated the idea of this innovative food village in April of the previous year. Private operators were invited to express interest, leading to a meticulous 10-month selection process. The Council’s objective was to find an operator that would not only enhance but also complement the existing market and its traders.
STACK emerges as the frontrunner following this extensive evaluation process. This operator is renowned for creating sustainable leisure destinations that blend a mix of street food, beverage outlets, events, and entertainment. Their success is evident in the over 2.5 million visitors to STACK Seaburn, a similar venture that utilizes repurposed shipping containers.
Impact on the Community and Economy
The addition of the food village aims to be more than just a place to eat; it’s expected to be a catalyst for economic growth and community development. With the council’s focus on regeneration, this initiative could redefine public spaces and support independent businesses. The envisioned food, beverage, and entertainment venue is set to be a seven-days-a-week operation, potentially creating jobs and extending business hours into the evening.
Leeds Kirkgate Market currently hosts up to 185 stalls, with around 85 occupied on its peak days. The proposal, initially revealed in late 2022, suggests a reduction in the number of outdoor pitches. This move would free up space for the container village while still ensuring that all existing and new traders have their place in one of the region’s largest markets.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Culture, and Education at Leeds City Council, expressed the council’s dedication to the project. He highlighted STACK’s proven track record as a determining factor in their selection. Pryor emphasized that this addition is not just about the market but also part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the eastern side of the city center. Furthermore, he reassured that the council would continue to engage with current market traders to optimize the benefits of the new food village.
STACK’s Commitment to Leeds
Neill Winch, the CEO of STACK, shared the enthusiasm for this new chapter at Leeds Kirkgate Market. Winch indicated that STACK takes pride in crafting spaces that enhance community engagement, a sentiment that resonates with the council’s regeneration goals. Their commitment to sustainability and working in harmony with local businesses has led to anticipation for a unique mix of street food and entertainment that would integrate seamlessly with the market’s bustling atmosphere.
The Leeds Kirkgate Market is no stranger to improvement efforts. Recent endeavors include a £10m conservation project for the 1875 ‘blockshops’ and a £14m refurbishment that introduced the Market Kitchen street food hall. Additionally, the council has secured planning permission for a new hotel and gym, which are set to flank the Grade I listed market building on George Street.
The expectation is that this development will not only preserve Leeds Kirkgate Market’s status as a central attraction but also draw in a new customer base. STACK’s selection is based not only on their rental offer but on a comprehensive proposal demonstrating the potential to attract new customers while respecting the market’s heritage.
Work on the project is contingent upon obtaining the necessary planning and licensing approvals. The financial implications rest with the operator, who will bear the construction costs. In turn, the venue is expected to generate a new income stream for the council through rental payments.
The proposed food village by STACK promises to reinforce Leeds Kirkgate Market’s legacy as a cornerstone of the city’s retail environment. With the current developments, monthly visitor numbers have already surged past half a million. These continuous investments signal the market’s readiness to contribute to the further regeneration of Leeds city center.
The community is poised to witness a novel, engaging experience at Leeds Kirkgate Market. This venture represents a collaboration that seeks to balance respect for history with the drive for innovation and growth. The meticulous efforts to select a fitting operator and the structured planning of the project reflect a commitment to ensuring that the market remains a treasured destination in Leeds.
For more information on Leeds Kirkgate Market and its developments, visit the Leeds City Council website.
- Plans for a ‘container-style’ food village by STACK at Leeds Kirkgate Market aim to boost the economy, create jobs, support independent businesses, and enhance community engagement.
- The proposed food village will reshape the outdoor trading area of the market with a sustainable and modern approach, pending planning and licensing approvals.
- The addition of the food village is expected to be a catalyst for economic growth and community development, potentially creating jobs and extending business hours.
- STACK emerges as the preferred operator following a meticulous 10-month selection process, known for creating sustainable leisure destinations with a mix of street food and entertainment.
- The project is part of a broader strategy by Leeds City Council to rejuvenate the eastern side of the city center and draw in a new customer base while respecting the market’s historical significance.