News
Leeds City Council to discuss five-year plan to help support the future of Kirkgate Market
Great news.
Clementine Hall -
5th February 2026 
Senior councillors will next week be asked to approve a five-year strategy designed to guide Leeds Kirkgate Market successfully.
The council’s previous strategy for the historic market covered the period 2021 to 2026 and helped deliver impressive results, including increased footfall, a diverse and vibrant range of new businesses and a multi-million pound refurbishment of the site’s historic ‘blockshops' area.
Plans have now been revealed that aim to maintain the beloved site and keep it on its currant upwards trajectory between 2026 and 2031.
The plan sets out a vision for the market’s continued success as an inclusive, attractive and sustainable place where independent retailers can thrive.
Key points to achieve this include:
- The construction – subject to planning approval – of STACK Leeds, a ‘container-style’ food, drink and entertainment attraction proposed for part of the market’s outdoor trading area;
- The development, subject to final approval once full costings have been secured and assessed, of a hotel and council-run public gym on the George Street side of the market;
- The continuation and enhancement of the market’s free events programme for children and families, which has become an important driver of footfall – particularly during school holidays – and underlines its proud reputation as a place that caters for the Leeds community as a whole;
- Committing appropriate funds to the upkeep and maintenance of the Grade I listed market building;
- Widening the digital ‘reach’ of the market by further growing its already-strong following across various social media platforms while also helping traders raise their own online profiles.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is a hugely important part of local life and it’s a real source of pride that we, as a council, have been able to support it so strongly over the last five years through a mix of investment and innovative thinking.
“Recovery from the effects of the pandemic has not been easy, but today the market is in good shape and ready to face the future with confidence. We know, though, that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and this new five-year strategy contains much to be excited about.
“My thanks to everyone at the market who took part in the consultation activity, it has played a vital role in the development of the strategy. Your support – and indeed the hard work and dedication that we see from traders and staff week in, week out – will help us ensure that Leeds Kirkgate Market continues to go from strength to strength.”
The full strategy document can be read here.
Read more: STACK has been confirmed as the ‘preferred operator’ for Leeds Markets’ outdoor food village
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
