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.
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Leeds United’s Anton Stach has launched his very own burger at a local indie – and it’s all for a good cause
Clementine Hall
If it's good enough for Anton Stach, then it's good enough for us.
Well, it really is the signing that nobody saw coming...and it’s happening right opposite the station.
Meat:Stack, the Newcastle-born, award-winning burger joint on Bishopgate Street in Leeds, is giving the people what they want - a burger with Anton Stach’s name on it.
Introducing ‘The Moustachi Burger', officially launching Tuesday 18 August where Anton Stach himself will be down at Meat:Stack to meet United fans, sign autographs and, of course, tuck into his very own creation.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Even better, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Elhadj Diouf Foundation (EDF), a charity chosen by Stach that supports children through education.
Not only that, but it's a great opportunity to support Meat:Stack that has been suffering from the ongoing road works for months on end now.
So really, you've got no excuse to come down and tuck into the special which will be available through the opening weeks of the season.
Anton Stach, Leeds United and Germany midfielder, added: “Leeds has felt like home from very early on, and a lot of that is the people and the places around the ground, the businesses fans go to before and after a game. Meat:Stack is one of them, and they’ve had a hard time with the building work on their doorstep. The Moustachi Burger is a lovely nod to my YouTube channel too.
"This is a team on the rise in a city on the comeback, and support has to go both ways. I wanted to back a business Leeds fans care about and raising money for a foundation my family has given so much to at the same time means everything. I’ll be there on the 18th, bring your appetite.”
Sophie Smith -
8th September 2023 
