'If we go, this isn’t a market anymore': Leeds Kirkgate Market traders call for lower rents to boost business
Traders at Kirkgate Market have called for lower rents in a bid to attract more businesses and boost footfall.
Stall holders at the historic market in Leeds have spoken out after the council set out its plans to revitalise the city institution.
Councillors approved renewed plans for the market, including an outdoor food and entertainment attraction and events for families.
Plans also include a hotel and council-run gym next to the market, home to around 200 businesses, on George Street.
Trader Hellen Dutton said footfall had fallen and reduced rents would boost stall occupancy.
She said: “I do believe they should drop the price on the rents in order to have all the stalls occupied.”
Joseph Eyres-Laughton called for better communication between traders and the council.
He said: “If we go, then this isn’t a market anymore.”
Another trader, Lisa Stebbings, said stallholders agreed that the market needed to be made smaller.
But she said: “It always comes down to the rents. They are high.”
Leeds City Council said an extensive consultation had been carried out with businesses and customers on the market’s future.
Labour’s Jonathan Pryor, deputy council leader, said discounted rents had been offered as part of a package of support for traders.
More than £11m was invested in refurbishment works on the Grade-I listed building.
Coun Pryor said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is a hugely important part of local life and it’s a real source of pride that we, as a council, have been able to support it so strongly over the last five years through a mix of investment and innovative thinking.
“We know, though, that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and this new five-year strategy contains much to be excited about.”