First phase of multi-million pound Kirkgate Market revamp opens

THE first phase of refurbishment works to Kirkgate Market in Leeds has completed and opens to the public this week.

As part of a multi-million pound investment to modernise the building, two new areas of the market will open for trading from today.

Leeds City Coucnil said that due to the nature of the market it will be a staged opening to allow each trader to move to their new location.

The Council has invested more than £13m in a major refurbishment of the market, to make sure the building is fit for the future as well as offering a new shopping and leisure experience.

A new event space is being opened in time for the Handmade in Yorkshire, part of the Leeds Food and Drink Festival, which will be held at Kirkgate on June 4.

Richard Lewis, of Leeds City Council, said: “We are very grateful to the traders and existing customers for their continuing support whilst the works have been taking place. We were keen to open these new areas as soon as possible to help support the traders, although this does mean that there will still be some work taking place over the next few months. We will work with our contractors to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.

“The newly created areas will provide a new shopping and leisure experience and enable to market to host a whole range of events. New and exciting traders are also joining forces with the well-known and respected business who have helped make Kirkgate the success it is today.”