'It’s hugely encouraging': Leeds city centre sees 45m visitors in 2026 as empty shops hit record low

More than 45million people have flocked to Leeds city centre so far this year, with footfall continuing to outstrip the same period in 2025.

A total of 45,291,505 visits have been recorded by specialist cameras across eight key areas of the city centre, including Briggate, The Headrow and Albion Street.

That works out at an average of 1,332,103 people every week across the city centre so far in 2026.

Briggate alone has recorded 8,502,173 visitors this year, with an average weekly footfall of 250,063.

And footfall across the city centre currently consistently up on the same period last year, Leeds City Council said.

Alongside the soaring footfall figures, the number of empty retail units in Leeds city centre has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2019.

The vacancy rate in the city's main retail area currently stands at 8.8% per cent, compared with an average of around 12.4% nationally.

It means Leeds is bucking the wider trend as shoppers prepare to head into the city centre for Christmas shopping and seasonal events.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit Leeds for Light Night, while Christmas shopping and a programme of festive activities are expected to bring another major boost to footfall in November and December.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see the city centre performing so impressively as we prepare for what’s likely to be the busiest and most exciting period of the year for shoppers and visitors.

“A great deal of partnership work has gone into making our retail areas and public spaces a unique and welcoming experience, and the consistently strong performance and resilience of our local economy demonstrates the success of that work.

“With these impressive figures as a foundation, we’re all set to welcome hundreds of thousands of people to the city for what is sure to be another remarkable season for Leeds.”

Jo Coburn, centre director at Victoria Leeds, said the figures were a “brilliant reflection” of what Leeds city centre has to offer - and added that the extra footfall is boosting trade for retailers.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We've seen this success play out first-hand over the last 12 months, with a string of exciting brands choosing to make their northern, and in some cases UK, debut with us this year – such as ALO, AS Colour and Finisterre.

“That kind of appetite from brands, paired with a record low vacancy rate across the city centre, is testament to the strength and vibrancy of the wider retail offer here.

“With the festive trading period now just around the corner, we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead - Leeds is set to prove once again why it's one of the country's most exciting retail destinations.”

Andrew Cooper, the chief executive of LeedsBID, added: “With some high streets and shopping centres struggling with 13-16% vacancy rates according to national statistics, Leeds is performing very well with the figures of 8% released by the council today.

“Our retail and leisure sector is strong; it has diversified and adapted during a difficult economic backdrop over the last six years.

“Leeds remains the regional shopping capital with well-known high street brands, excellent shopping centres and a very vibrant market alongside an innovative independent sector.”