Listen Live
Sunrise Gold

New five-year plan for Leeds Kirkgate Market

Saturday, 13 March 2021 at 19:36

By Sunrise Radio X @SunriseRadioUK

Kirkgate Market - Photo Credit Leeds City Council

Senior councillors in Leeds will be asked to back a five-year strategy to future-proof the much loved Leeds Kirkgate Market at an executive board meeting on Wednesday 17 March.

The proposed Leeds Kirkgate Market Strategy 2021-2026 sets out how the market will manage the impact and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and adapt to the ever changing retail climate in order to remain a sustainable and attractive retail destination.

If approved, the council will collaborate with market traders, their representatives and wider stakeholders to put the strategy into motion, cementing the market’s place as a modern and accessible shopping destination in the heart of Leeds.

The strategy sets out how the council will continue to work on the infrastructure and regeneration of the market to improve the overall look and feel of it for traders, customers and potential new businesses.

Over the next five years, the council will continue looking at alternative ideas to fill vacant units, particularly in the outdoor market, in order to retain income levels, continue to attract footfall and broaden the reach of the market.

The market will continue to adapt to the changing pattern of retail, which will include a review of the opening hours in full consultation with the existing traders to ensure the market is open when customers want to visit

A Markets Sustainability Plan will be developed which will be the driver behind ensuring the market operates in a more environmentally sustainable way, with a specific focus on how the market and its traders can reduce their carbon footprint.

The council is also committed to ensuring the market is both age and disability friendly by ensuring aisles are kept clear and accessible.  The market is already incredibly diverse and the council will ensure it stays this way.

Looking ahead, the council is confident that Leeds Kirkgate Market will remain a place for community and cultural events and activities, both large and small and continue to be an exciting destination for visitors with a variety of activities on offer.

The market will continue to support the development of more local innovators and entrepreneurs through the use of low cost pop-up units, and defined spaces for new products and services.

If approved, the strategy will remain flexible in order to best meet the needs of customers and traders and the council would review the plans and actions on an ongoing basis over the next five years.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive board member with responsibility for markets, said:

“Leeds Kirkgate Market plays a vital role in the city’s retail offer and is steeped in rich history and culture. We are proud that Leeds is the home of such an amazing market and, even in these difficult financial times, we’re fully committed to its long-term future.

“Due to the current UK retail environment and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, we know the next five years won’t be easy for the market which is why having a clear strategy is so important.

“I am confident that in 2026 the market will be thriving. It will continue to be an inclusive, diverse and successful part of Leeds city centre and something we can all be proud of. This strategy will play a vital part in ensuring that happens.”

Share

More from Local and National News

  • Six Men with London Links Feature on NCA Most Wanted List

    Six men with connections to London feature on the National Crime Agency's most wanted list, including suspects linked to major drug trafficking investigations, alleged holiday fraud and money laundering. The NCA is appealing for information to help locate those wanted in connection with the investigations.

  • Milton Keynes Roundabout to Close for Six Months for Major Redesign

    Motorists in Milton Keynes face approximately six months of road closures and diversions as Monkston Roundabout undergoes a major transformation into a traffic-light-controlled 'hamburger' junction. Main construction is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2027, with the council aiming to improve traffic flow and accommodate future growth.

  • Bradford's Alhambra Theatre Set for Major External Makeover

    Bradford's iconic Alhambra Theatre is set to undergo major external painting and repair works starting in mid-November. The £-unspecified improvement programme will take approximately 12 to 16 weeks, with scaffolding installed around the building. Bradford Council has confirmed that all performances will continue as planned, with no disruption to audiences.

  • £450m Cocaine Network Hidden in Cheese Dismantled by West Yorkshire Police

    West Yorkshire Police have dismantled a major drugs network responsible for distributing 4.5 tonnes of cocaine worth more than £450 million. The operation involved drugs concealed in shipments of cheese, with distribution hubs in Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, Halifax and Blackburn. Prison sentences totalling more than 220 years have been handed down.

  • Nearly 200 Businesses Back Proposed West London Orbital Railway

    Nearly 200 businesses and organisations, including Sky, IKEA and Octopus Energy, have urged the Chancellor to support the proposed West London Orbital railway. The 18.5-kilometre route would connect Hendon and Hounslow, potentially creating thousands of jobs, supporting new homes and improving transport links across West London.

  • Former Police Officer from West Yorkshire Convicted of Rape and Misconduct

    A former Metropolitan Police officer from Meltham, West Yorkshire, has been convicted of serious sexual offences after abusing his position of trust to exploit a vulnerable woman he met through his duties. Mark Tyrrell, 57, was also convicted of attempting to destroy evidence and had previously admitted misconduct in public office.

  • Huddersfield Man Found Guilty of Historic Sexual Offences Against Teenage Girls

    A 55-year-old man from Huddersfield has been convicted of eight offences, including five counts of rape, following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. Muhammed Khalid, who fled the UK while under investigation, was arrested at Manchester Airport in April. He is due to be sentenced on 24 November.

  • Bradford Couple Say Harassment Complaints Are Being Ignored

    A couple living in Holme Wood, Bradford, say years of alleged harassment and anti-social behaviour have left them feeling unsafe in their own home. West Yorkshire Police have confirmed an active harassment investigation, while housing provider Incommunities says it is investigating the complaints.

  • Accrington Drug Dealer Jailed After Crack Cocaine Found Hidden in Deodorant Can

    A 27-year-old drug dealer from Accrington has been jailed for five years and seven months after police discovered 90 wraps of crack cocaine concealed inside a false deodorant can. Sadakat Ali was already on licence from a previous prison sentence for supplying drugs when officers raided his home.

  • Tour de France 2027 to Race Through Blackburn and Darwen

    Blackburn with Darwen will welcome the world-famous Tour de France on Saturday 3 July 2027, as riders travel through Blackburn, Tockholes and Belmont during the 223km second stage from Keswick to Liverpool. The historic event will give residents the opportunity to watch elite international cycling for free.

  • Vandals Rip Out Bollards at Popular Halifax Beauty Spot

    Vandals have damaged Albert Promenade in Halifax, ripping out two bollards and reportedly damaging a lamppost. A local councillor has described the incident as shocking and requested a review of CCTV footage to help identify those responsible.

  • Bradford Council Proposes £50m Savings to End Reliance on Government Financial Support

    Bradford Council has unveiled plans to save £50 million during 2027–28, potentially ending its reliance on exceptional government financial support two years earlier than expected. The proposals follow £150 million in savings over three years, with the council insisting frontline service availability will be protected.

On Air Now Drive-time 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

  • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

    Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

  • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

    Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

  • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

    Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

  • Legal Show Legal Show

    Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.