Freight Island announced as new operator ahead of Trinity Kitchen’s £15m expansion

Trinity Leeds has revealed that Freight Island, the team behind the UK’s leading food hall and entertainment venue, will operate the expanded Trinity Kitchen – delivering a one-of-a-kind destination and an unrivalled food hall experience to Leeds.

Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has redefined the traditional food court model by pioneering an authentic indoor street-food concept that blends permanent eateries with a rotating selection of street-food vans. Over the past decade, it has supported almost 300 independent traders, each gaining exposure to an annual audience of more than 800,000 guests.

The £15 million project, which has received planning approval from Leeds City Council, represents Trinity Leeds’ largest single investment since the centre first opened its doors. The expansion will revitalise a previously unused 15,000 sq ft area above Trinity Kitchen, creating a 63,000 sq ft food and leisure destination that includes a striking new outdoor terrace overlooking City Square.

Construction will begin late spring 2026, and Trinity Kitchen will remain open throughout. Once complete, Freight Island will operate the new food and leisure space, bringing new life, energy, and value to the heart of the centre.

Freight Island, which opened at Depot Mayfield, Manchester, in 2020, has become one of the UK’s most popular entertainment destinations. They will also open in Newcastle later this year.

Trinity Kitchen will be the fourth site from award-winning Freight Island. It will support job creation, attract new brands, and elevate the guest experience with a broader mix of operators and enhanced spaces for trading, dining, and socialising.

Steven Foster, centre director at Trinity Leeds, said: “Delivering an exceptional visitor experience has always been our top priority. Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has been an exciting and evolving concept, and our new plans will mark its most exciting chapter yet. The venue will be transformed into a spectacular multi-level dining, entertainment and dynamic leisure venue, enhanced by additional space and a new terrace to bring the atmosphere outdoors.

“Freight Island will help to elevate our food and drink offering, creating an expansive and immersive venue, with exciting opportunities for new brands and operators to join our thriving community. Together, we will build on Trinity Kitchen’s decade-long success, ensuring it continues to grow its appeal as a best-in-class food and leisure destination.”

Dan Morris, managing director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience. We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Freight Island to Trinity Leeds as part of this landmark expansion.

“This project allows us to build on what Trinity Kitchen already does so well, while introducing new energy, scale and creativity through an expanded food and leisure offer, a brand-new entertainment space and a standout rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Food will remain at the heart of the venue, with menus driven by independent chefs and operators, alongside a programme of DJs, sports, performances, cultural and family events, all with a strong focus on showcasing and supporting local Leeds talent.

“Leeds is a city with a powerful cultural identity and a thriving creative and food scene. We look forward to working closely with Landsec and Trinity Leeds to create a destination that supports local operators, creates jobs, nurtures homegrown talent and delivers something truly special for the city.”