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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
Dazzling Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Leeds this year
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Sophie Smith -
1st February 2023 
