Plans have been in the making for Leeds Kirkgate Market for a new hotel development for a few months now.
But after seeking public feedback as part of the community consultation project, Leeds City Council has now confirmed that the initial details of the proposed development on the George Street side of the market complex have been submitted for a full planning application.
The website reports that the planning permission for a 126 unit aparthotel was originally granted in 2018 but the planning consent was never implemented. The plans also included a range of ground floor units for commercial use.
Now, the revised 2023 plans are fairly similar: with five commercial units and a gym to be operated by Leeds City Council on the ground floor whilst the above floors would host a five storey, 143-bed hotel, including space for a bar and restaurant for guests to use.
The planned hotel would replace the row of vacant low-rise buildings on George Street, opposite John Lewis and Victoria Gate.
If the application is approved, then work could start as early as 2024 to bring what the council describes as "even more vibrancy and vitality to a part of the city centre transformed in recent times by widespread regeneration activity".
The full site expected for the scheme to build on is already owned by the council and has a number of vacant shop units upon it, which would be replaced with"commercial units and a state-of-the-art council-run gym that would improve the local ‘fitness offer’ for people living in the city centre and nearby communities."
So "the majority of comments received from members of the public being very positive", which has allowed plans to move forwards. Those contacted during this process included market traders, ward councillors, Leeds Civic Trust and those at local residential and commercial properties.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We’re determined to do everything we can to deliver a bright and busy future for Leeds Kirkgate Market while also driving forward the regeneration of the surrounding area.
“These hotel proposals are designed to help us achieve that twin aim, and we have been encouraged by the response we have had to them over the last few months. The submission of the planning application marks another important step in a process that we hope will have a positive and transformative effect on George Street and the rest of the eastern side of our fantastic city centre.”
Back in February, Leeds Council announced it would moves forwards with plans replace outdoor Kirkgate market with new container-style village that would be moments from the hotel, but no major updates have been announced since then.
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Leeds Bradford Airport workers to strike over half term, as industrial action escalates in dispute over pay
Clementine Hall
Strikes by almost 130 workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
Last week it was announced that workers were set to strike and bring the airport to complete standstill in a dispute over pay.
Today it has been announced that thestrikes are set to escalate and a second set of strikes have been announced.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is wrong that workers at Leeds Bradford Airport are paid far less than those doing the same job at another nearby airport.
"These are essential workers who play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the airport and the safety of passengers and deserve fair pay. Unite will always fully back our members taking action at Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The original strikes were due to take place from 03:00 this Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
The next round of industrial action will now take place from Monday 23 October to Wednesday 2 November, which coincides with the busy half term period.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: “We appreciate those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport will be concerned to hear that there are further strike dates, but the situation is completely the fault of the airport’s management. It can end this dispute, but that relies on it coming back to the table with a fair deal for our members.”
Sophie Smith -
8th September 2023 
