Leeds Kirkgate market is the real deal

Shoppers and new businesses are flocking to Leeds Kirkgate Market as an ongoing multi-million pound investment in the historic retail destination continues to deliver impressive results.

Footfall figures show the market received more than 2.9m visits in the first six months of this year – six per cent up on the same period in 2023.

There were 506,451 visits recorded in March alone, while the totals for May and June stood at 498,786 and 493,047 respectively.

Businesses are also heading to the market in numbers, with a beauty salon, a bookshop and a Syrian food store among the eight new indoor arrivals since the start of the year.

A further seven businesses – selling everything from suitcases to Vietnamese groceries – are in the process of agreeing deals for indoor units.

There has also been an eight per cent increase in outdoor stall occupation compared to this time last year.

Recent improvements at the market include the completion of the first phase of a £10m refurbishment of its 19th-century ‘blockshops’ area.

Work is now well under way on the second phase of the Leeds City Council scheme, with the latest batch of new-look units expected to be ready to let early next year.

Efforts to ensure the market caters for as wide a range of people as possible are also having a positive impact on footfall numbers.

Family-friendly activities – including life-sized arcade game sessions – helped push the visits total for May half-term week past 110,000.

A packed programme of free entertainment for youngsters is also being laid on at the market between now and the end of August.

Visitors of all ages, meanwhile, will be able to sample various tasty treats at a Caribbean and African Food Festival on August 24 and a Leeds Indian Food Festival on August 31.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

“Our significant investments in Leeds Kirkgate Market have been designed to ensure it has a future to match its long and proud past.

“It’s really pleasing, therefore, to see visitor numbers on the up-and-up as the latest phase of improvement work continues.

“The unprecedented number of enquiries that are being received from businesses wanting to move into the market is also very encouraging.

“Thanks to all those who continue to support this much-loved shopping spot, and to the market team for their tireless efforts during its transformation.”

Dating back to 1875, the blockshops are the oldest surviving structures at the market and comprise eight two-storey buildings linked by an infill glazed roof.

A total of 24 units were renovated and improved with features such as new canopy fronts, electric roller shutters and LED lighting during the first phase of the refurbishment scheme.

Wider structural work also saw roofing repaired, walkways brightened up with new glazing, new guttering installed and floors lowered to enhance accessibility.

A further 24 units will be renovated during the scheme’s second phase, with half of them due to be finished by the end of January.

The work on the blockshops follows the creation of the popular Market Kitchen and event space during a separate £14m refurbishment scheme.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a ‘container-style’ food village in part of the market’s outdoor area as well as a hotel and gym development on the site’s George Street side.

A commercial tender pack has been put together for businesses keen to learn more about the opportunities offered by the refurbished blockshops area. Packs can be obtained by e-mailing market.events@leeds.gov.uk.

Click here for further information about this summer’s family-friendly activities at the market, which include dance workshops, a circus school and roller skating.