Work begins on £10m regeneration scheme of an 'historic' Leeds market

A multi-million pound renovation scheme is ushering in a bright and 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, new guttering installed and floors lowered to enhance accessibility. The project team has also taken care to respect and protect the site’s history, with heritage features such as herringbone brickwork being restored to their 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. And the ongoing rebirth of the blockshops was today hailed as a sign of the council’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that Leeds Kirkgate Market remains one of the jewels in the city’s retail crown.

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 scheme has required meticulous planning and preparation on the part of the council and contractor Bermar, due to both 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.

Leeds City College is also set to take up a unit for use as a vegan and vegetarian cafe, allowing catering and hospitality students and apprentices to gain valuable hands-on experience of running a business. Other improvements and support delivered for the market by the council in recent times include:

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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