Market visitors increase after council investment

A market in Leeds has seen visitor numbers increase as it feels the effects of investment, the city council has said.

Kirkgate Market reported increased footfall, new business arrivals and a packed calendar of events in 2024, with more than 5.9m visits throughout the year.

That figure was up by 4% on 2023, and up by a third from 2020, the council said.

Leeds City Council continues to work on a £10m refurbishment of the market's 19th Century blockshops - a group of eight two-storey buildings which date back to 1875.

The first phase of the scheme saw 24 units renovated and improved with new canopy fronts, electric roller shutters, LED lighting and extra storage space.

Another 16 units are now due for completion in March as part of the scheme's second and final phase.

Five of these units have already been let, while a further three will be occupied by existing traders who temporarily relocated to a different section of the market so the refurbishment work could take place.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor said: "We're hugely proud of both Leeds Kirkgate Market's past and the investment we've made to ensure it has an equally bright future.

"The transformation of the blockshops area is an important part of the current success story, with a really encouraging level of interest and take-up in the units that have been renovated to date.

"The improvements at the market – coupled with its popular programme of events for all the family – mean that, more than ever, this is an asset the whole city can enjoy and take pride in."

Wider structural work is also being carried out at the market, as roofing has been repaired, walkways brightened up with new glazing, new guttering installed and floors lowered to enhance accessibility.

The project team has also made sure to protect the site's history, with heritage features such as herringbone brickwork being restored to their former glory, the council said.

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