Leeds City Council plans to build a Premier Inn-operated hotel at Leeds Kirkgate Market, with construction set to begin next year. The 143-room hotel, complete with a bar, restaurant, commercial space, and gym, is expected to create 50 local jobs and support economic growth in the area.
What are the plans for the new hotel development at Leeds Kirkgate Market?
Leeds City Council plans to build a Premier Inn-operated hotel at Leeds Kirkgate Market, aiming to start construction in the next year. This development includes a 143-room hotel with a bar, restaurant, commercial space, and a gym, expected to create 50 local jobs and support economic growth.
Upcoming City Plans Panel Meeting
Leeds Kirkgate Market, a historic and bustling hub in the heart of the city, is poised to reach a pivotal moment in its ongoing transformation. On a date set for next Thursday, November 30, Leeds City Council will present their plans for a hotel development to the city’s plans panel, marking a significant step in the project’s progress. The proposed development, situated on the George Street side of the market, is designed to synergize with the Grade I listed building’s architecture and stature. With the application submitted this past August, anticipation grows as the council aims to start construction next year, should approval be granted. This development is expected to not only complement but also enhance the wider regeneration efforts that are revitalizing the area surrounding the market.
Premier Inn at the Forefront of the New Scheme
The council has confirmed that Premier Inn, a member of the Whitbread Group, is set to operate the new hotel, with a pre-let lease already in place. Known for catering to both business and leisure guests in equal measure, Premier Inn maintains impressive occupancy levels throughout the year. The new George Street hotel is projected to create around 50 jobs in the local community, with an added 80 roles supported during the construction phase. Currently, the proposed site houses a collection of vacant shop units. If the plan moves forward, these will make way for a six-storey building, housing the 143-room hotel, a bar, and a restaurant. The ground floor is designated for commercial use and a council-run gym, which promises to enhance fitness facilities for local residents.
Economic and Community Benefits
The envisioned hotel is more than a place for visitors to rest; it’s a catalyst for economic growth and community development. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture, and education, expressed pride in the progress at Leeds Kirkgate Market, particularly in reaching half-a-million monthly visitors. The hotel aims to build upon this success, bridging the market with the Victoria Gate retail destination and serving as a key point in the city’s central flow. Working with Premier Inn symbolizes a shared commitment to delivering quality and value. Paul Smith, Whitbread’s acquisitions manager, highlighted that Premier Inn customers typically contribute £140 per night to the local economy, excluding accommodation costs. This spending, spread across a high-occupancy hotel, promises a substantial economic boost to both the market and the wider city of Leeds.
Community Consultation and Positive Feedback
In preparation for this transformative project, an initial ‘pre-application’ report was reviewed by the council’s city plans panel in June, followed by a period of community consultation. The feedback from the public has been predominantly positive, reflecting a community that is receptive to growth and development. Consulted groups included market traders, ward councillors, and other key stakeholders like Leeds Civic Trust. This collaborative approach underscores the council’s dedication to inclusive planning and consideration for the diverse needs and perspectives of Leeds’ residents and business owners. As the panel meeting approaches, all eyes are on the potential for this hotel to serve as a link between historical tradition and modern prosperity.
- Leeds City Council plans to build a Premier Inn-operated hotel at Leeds Kirkgate Market, with construction set to begin next year.
- The hotel will have 143 rooms, a bar, restaurant, commercial space, and a gym, and is expected to create 50 local jobs.
- Premier Inn, known for catering to both business and leisure guests, will operate the hotel.
- The hotel aims to support economic growth and community development in the area, bridging the market with the Victoria Gate retail destination.
- The project has received positive feedback from the public and has undergone a period of community consultation.