Plans for Leeds Kirkgate Market 'container village' take major step forward

The planning application was submitted to Leeds City Council today (Friday) by STACK Leisure, which runs similar establishments in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.

The proposed STACK venue will feature two floors of food, drink and entertainment constructed out of repurposed shipping containers and will be situated in part of the market’s outdoor area.

If the plans are greenlit, STACK will have space for six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage and large digital screens for live entertainment. Part of its central plaza will be covered with marquee-style tents.

“We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens, it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area,” Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said.

“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market.”

However, traders at the market are divided. Last year, 30 local traders signed a joint letter saying that it would hamper the work done to regenerate Kirkgate Market’s food hall and cause damage to existing hospitality businesses in the city centre.

Some traders, however, welcomed the project, including Syed Salman, who sells oils, jewellery, electricals and other items at the market’s outdoor trading area.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post in October, he said trade was “down significantly”, and that STACK would bring “new opportunities”, adding that he would be open to taking on a unit within once it opened.

The outdoor area currently has room for 185 trading stalls, of which around 85 are filled on the market’s busiest days. If approval for the container village is granted, the total number of stalls would be reduced to free up space for the scheme.

According to Leeds City Council, the reconfigured area would still be able to comfortably accommodate all existing traders. The cost of building the project would be footed by STACK, with rental payments creating a new stream of income for the authority.

“Leeds Kirkgate Market has been at the heart of life in our city for generations and we are determined to ensure that it has a future every bit as bright as its past,” said Jonathan Pryor, the council’s deputy leader.

“I’m really pleased, therefore, that this planning application has been submitted. If approved, we are confident that STACK Leeds will generate new custom for existing businesses at the market.

“This would not be a standalone attraction, it would be very much part of the market and would complement other recent improvements there that have been driven by significant investment from the council.

“By adding a new element to the local food and drink offer, we anticipate STACK Leeds would also benefit the wider city centre by making Leeds an even more attractive place to spend time and money.”