First phase of historic city markets renovation now complete
Multi-million pound renovations aim to usher in a busy new era for the most historic part of Leeds Kirkgate Market.
Work on the £10m refurbishment of the market’s 19th-century ‘blockshops’ area got under way last year, with the first phase of the Leeds City Council scheme now complete.
A total of 24 units have been fully renovated and improved with features such as new canopy fronts, electric roller shutters, extraction ducting, LED lighting and extra storage space.
Wider structural work has seen roofing repaired, walkways brightened up with new glazing, guttering installed and floors lowered to enhance accessibility.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor
Heritage features such as herringbone brickwork has been restored to its former glory.
A further 24 units will be given similarly stylish makeovers when the second and final phase of the scheme begins in the next few weeks.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is an important and much-loved part of life in our city and, as such, we’re determined to keep on giving it the kind of care and attention it deserves.
“The blockshops scheme is a fine example of how this approach is delivering real and tangible benefits, with its now-completed first phase set to make a huge difference to traders and customers alike.
“The project has been designed to complement other investments by the council in the market, which I’m proud to say has recently been attracting more than 500,000 visitors per month.
“It’s great to hear that the second phase of the blockshops scheme will be getting under way soon – it will be fascinating to watch as further improvements take shape and help make this famous symbol of Leeds an even better place to shop and spend time.”
Dating back to 1875, the blockshops are the oldest surviving structures at the market and comprise eight two-storey buildings linked by an infill glazed roof.
The renovation has required careful preparation on the part of the council and contractor Bermar, due to the historic nature of the buildings and their position at the heart of the wider market complex.
A number of the refurbished units are now available to rent, while others are already in the process of opening up for business.
The council is currently considering the potential to bring a ‘container-style’ food village to part of the market’s outdoor site, with a view to boosting footfall for traders based in that area.
A planning application has also been submitted by the council for development of a hotel, gym and commercial units on the George Street side of the market.
