Kirkgate Market community hub and library fit for future

A key support hub for Leeds residents has received a full refurb, including new glass panelling to make sure it’s warm and inviting in the winter months.

This is the most recent move from the council in its commitment to continue investing in Leeds Kirkgate Market and its future.

The community hub and library in Leeds Kirkgate Market opened in 2019 but was originally not enclosed, meaning it could get very cold during winter.

Aside from the new panelling to enclose the hub, it has also received new flooring and a fresh lick of paint throughout.

Leeds’s community hubs and libraries offer free support to local residents with job applications, budgeting and money-saving tips, claiming benefits and developing digital skills.

Supporting around 30 people every day, Kirkgate Community Hub and Library also provides computers that are free to use as well as support with council tax and council housing.

Leeds has 26 hubs in total, and service offerings differ between them.

Zoe Hicks, manager at Kirkgate Community Hub and Library, said: “I’m so pleased that we are now ready to welcome people back into the community hub and library in Leeds Kirkgate Market.

“The hub is open to anyone who might need support with claiming benefits, applying for jobs or just a friendly chat.”

Regarded as one of the jewels in the city’s heritage crown, Leeds Kirkgate Market opened in 1857 and since then has welcomed generations of Leeds locals and visitors from further afield through its doors.

It has also gone down in history as the birthplace of retail institution Marks & Spencer, with Michael Marks setting up his famous penny bazaar there in 1884.

In recent years, a multi-million-pound programme of improvements has been launched by the council to ensure the market’s future is every bit as bright as its past.

One key aspect of this programme has been work to repair, conserve and enhance the 1875 ‘blockshops’, the oldest surviving structures on the site.

Throughout the year exciting events are running at the market, with a Leeds Art University market planned for 21 January where students are selling their artworks, and Leeds Record Fair returning on 14 February.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “Our community hubs and libraries are an essential way to make council services accessible to our residents. It’s great to see the improvements made at Leeds Kirkgate Market, making it more comfortable and inviting for visitors and staff alike.”