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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.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 1st February 2023

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

Read More: 10 places to grab lunch for under £10 from Leeds Kirkgate Market

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

Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.

After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.

The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.

The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.

The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.

Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council

The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.

“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”

Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.” 

“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.” 

You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.

Read more: Rooftop padel courts planned for multi-storey car park in Leeds city centre

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

News

Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.

It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.

Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.

Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.

Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co

After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.

Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"

Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.

Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co

The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.

It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.

Read more:

Featured image - Thirty Nine Coffee Company

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