Plans for a new container village attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market have taken a major step forward after a planning application was submitted for the scheme.
The proposal, put forward by STACK Leisure, would see a two-storey venue created from repurposed shipping containers on part of the market’s outdoor trading area. If approved, the development would add a new food, drink and entertainment destination to the city centre, with space for six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large live entertainment stage and giant digital screens. Marquee-style stretch tents would also partially cover the central plaza.
STACK, which already operates similar venues in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland, believes the Leeds scheme would help increase footfall and attract a broader customer base across the wider market site. The company also says the development could provide a boost to the wider city centre and complement existing hospitality businesses.
The market’s outdoor trading area currently has capacity for 185 stalls, although around 85 are occupied on its busiest days. Under the plans, the number of pitches would be reduced to make room for the new attraction. However, the reconfigured space would still be expected to accommodate all existing traders, as well as new arrivals, while remaining one of the largest sites of its kind in the region.
The cost of building the container village would be covered by STACK, while rental payments would create a new income stream for Leeds City Council.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure said:
“We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.
“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.
“One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.
“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development said:
“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.
“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.”
The proposal comes as wider investment continues at Leeds Kirkgate Market, including a £10m programme to repair, preserve and enhance the 1875 blockshops, the oldest surviving buildings on the site. The first phase of that project was completed in 2023, with the second and final stage due to finish later this year.
