Plans for a new hotel and gym to be built around Leeds Kirkgate Market has been given the green light by the council.
It comes after Leeds City Council submitted a planning application in the summer for the hotel scheme on the George Street side of the Grade I listed market building.
Yesterday, Thursday 30 November 2023, the application won unanimous support at a meeting of the council’s city plans panel.
The decision means that construction work will start next year, with the council having already agreed a pre-let lease with hotel operator Premier Inn.
The exciting new development will include a council-run public gym, delivering improved access to top-class fitness facilities for people living and working in the city centre.
Image: Leeds City Council
It is hoped that the transformation will provide another notable success story for an area that has undergone significant changes in recent years, including landmarks such as Victoria Gate and the newly refurbished Leeds Playhouse.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “The plans panel’s support for the George Street scheme represents another important milestone in the regeneration of the area around Leeds Kirkgate Market and beyond.
“Leeds city centre is already a vibrant, attractive place to visit, but we want to make it even better – and the new hotel will help us achieve that aim, providing a stylish linking point between Vicar Lane, the Eastgate roundabout and Quarry Hill.
“The scheme also underlines our commitment to ensuring the market retains its position as one of the jewels in the city’s retail crown.”
Paul Smith, acquisitions manager for Premier Inn owner Whitbread, said: “We are extremely proud to have been named as the operator of the George Street hotel."
The hotel will fill the top five floors of the new building, with 143 rooms as well as a bar and restaurant for guests. It is believed that the hotel will create approximately 50 new full and part-time jobs, with around 80 jobs being supported during construction.
The team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.
Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts
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.
Clementine Hall -
1st December 2023 
