Senior councillors are due to consider a new five-year strategy for Leeds Kirkgate Market designed to guide the landmark venue through the 2030s and beyond.
The proposals, set to be discussed at a meeting of Leeds City Council’s executive board, follow the market’s previous 2021–2026 strategy, which the council says has delivered strong results. These include increased footfall, a broader mix of independent businesses, and a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the historic ‘blockshops’ area.
The latest document has been developed after what the council describes as extensive and positive consultation with traders, customers and other stakeholders. It sets out a vision for the market’s continued success as an inclusive, attractive and sustainable destination where independent retailers can thrive between 2026 and 2031.
Among the initiatives highlighted are plans, subject to planning consent — for STACK Leeds, a container-style food, drink and entertainment attraction proposed for part of the market’s outdoor trading area. The strategy also references a potential hotel and a council-run public gym on the George Street side of the market, subject to final approval once full costings have been secured and assessed.
The document also underlines the importance of the market’s free events programme for children and families, which has become a key driver of footfall, particularly during school holidays. Alongside this, it proposes ongoing investment to maintain the Grade I listed market building, and further work to widen the market’s digital reach by building its social media following and helping individual traders strengthen their online profiles.
The council’s report points to a string of achievements delivered during the current strategy period. These include more than £11m invested in refurbishing the 19th-century blockshops, with improvements ranging from new canopy fronts and electric roller shutters to upgraded lighting, extraction ducting and additional storage.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development 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.
“Recovery from the effects of the pandemic has not been easy, but today the market is in good shape and ready to face the future with confidence.
“We know, though, that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and this new five-year strategy contains much to be excited about.
“My thanks to everyone at the market who took part in the consultation activity, it has played a vital role in the development of the strategy.
“Your support – and indeed the hard work and dedication that we see from traders and staff week in, week out – will help us ensure that Leeds Kirkgate Market continues to go from strength to strength.”
It also highlights the rapid growth of the market’s street food and food-to-go offer, with dozens of stalls serving everything from Yorkshire favourites to international cuisine, alongside the conversion of a former butcher’s shop near the Market Kitchen into two new food-to-go units.
Support for traders during the pandemic, including rent discounts, is also cited, along with a steady flow of new openings — nearly 20 new arrivals in the indoor market in the 12 months to summer 2025 alone. Improvements to the market’s community hub and library are described as helping create a warmer, more welcoming space with access to books, computers and council services.
Footfall figures for 2024 show the market recorded more than 5.9 million visits over the year — up 4% on 2023 and 33% higher than in 2021, figures the council says reflect the market’s continued upward trajectory. The new 2026-2031 strategy document and an accompanying report to executive board can be found at www.democracy.leeds.gov.uk
A planning application for the proposed STACK Leeds development is expected to be submitted soon. The council signed a formal lease agreement last year with STACK, an established leisure operator that runs similar venues in cities including Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Lincoln.
