Leeds Council moves forwards with plans replace outdoor Kirkgate market with new container-style village
There's also regeneration plans 'in the pipeline' to bring a new hotel and commercial units on the ground floor on the George Street side of the markets.
Plans to add shipping-container style market to Leeds Kirkgate Market move forward after 'overwhelmingly positive' public response.
Leeds City Council has announced that the plans to add a new addition to the outdoor market space will move forward, and next week senior councillors will be asked to approve a 'package of measures' that could start to see the proposal come to life.
The idea for the container-style shipping container was first announced late last year, and last month the council was given the 'green light' to launch a consultation exercise and find out what the public think of the proposal.
The idea for the new outdoor market is said to be similar to those in London, Manchester and Bristol. BOXPARK is just one example of a successful container-style space that brings together food and drink traders in a 'village' setup.
Image: BOXPARK
The existing outdoor market space has space for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of them being filled on a typical day.
The launch of a consultation exercise seeking people’s views on the proposals, which have been drawn up with a view to safeguarding the long-term future of the outdoor area following sustained and significant investment across the market site as a whole.
During this time over 2,000 online questionnaires were completed, finding that 71.5% of those participating supported the idea, and 91% would be 'somewhat likely' or 'very likely' to the rest of the market space if they were there to visit the new container-style market.
There's also regeneration plans 'in the pipeline' to bring a new hotel and commercial units on the ground floor on the George Street side of the markets.
Currently less than half of the outdoor markets are used. / Image: Leeds City Council
The Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We are hugely proud of both Leeds Kirkgate Market’s history and the important part it continues to play in local life, with the council’s multi-million pound investment in the site during recent years underlining our determination to ensure it remains one of the jewels in the city’s retail crown.
“Given the special place it holds in so many people’s affections, we are conscious that any new additions to the market must be handled sensitively, and must also complement and enhance its existing offer.
“That is why we carried out the consultation exercise on the proposals, with the results being carefully analysed and used to shape the next steps options that will be considered by executive board.
“Should these next steps be approved, then we will continue to engage with all parties – including traders, shoppers and stakeholders – as we gauge the level of operator interest in the proposals.”
Key elements of the council’s recent investment in the market include:
The creation of the popular Market Kitchen street food hall and event space as part of a £14m refurbishment scheme in 2016
An ongoing £10m project to repair, conserve and enhance the 1875 Blockshops, the oldest surviving structures on the market site
The provision of more than £1.4m worth of rent concessions to help traders cope with the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
There has been no rent increase since 2011
Hatch in Manchester is another example of a popular container-style food and drink hotspot. / Image: Hatch MCR
It is thought that once the senior councillors have met to approve the proposed plans, more information will be released about the new container-style village.
Feature Image- Hatch MCR / Leeds City Council
News
You can watch The Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds next Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Sophie Smith -
1st February 2023 
