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.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
8th September 2023 
