Plans STACK up at Kirkgate Market
STACK Leisure has applied to build a two-storey repurposed shipping container structure at the historic venue in Leeds, with space for six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a stage for live entertainment, and giant screens.
A central plaza seating area will be covered by a ‘stretch tent’ providing shelter, when needed, from the elements.
The development would, it is expected, increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the whole market site.
The cost of building the container village would be met by STACK Leisure, with rental payments creating a new income stream for the council.
If approved, the outdoor trading area will be reconfigured to make space for the development. Currently, there is room for 185 outdoor stalls, with around 85 of those filled at peak times.
If plans go ahead, the number of pitches will be reduced – however, the council underlined that there will be enough space for all existing traders.
STACK made its name operating a ‘meanwhile use’ at the Pilgrim Quarter in Newcastle, and has since expanded rapidly with schemes in Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and Lincoln – some following the shipping container compound model, some in spaces previously taken up by retail or other uses.
A lease agreement between Leeds City Council and Stack was signed in August last year, and follows a £10m restoration of Kirkgate Market, including repairing the 1875 ‘blockshops’, the oldest surviving structures on the site.
Phase one of the scheme was finished in 2023, with the second and final stage due for completion later this year.
Elsewhere in the city, Freight Island recently announced it will be taking 15,000 sq ft at Trinity, including a rooftop bar overlooking City Square.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said: “We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.
“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market.
“One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly, and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.
“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market has been at the heart of life in our city for generations and we are determined to ensure that it has a future every bit as bright as its past.
“I’m really pleased, therefore, that this planning application has been submitted. If approved, we are confident that STACK Leeds will generate new custom for existing businesses at the market.
“This would not be a standalone attraction, it would be very much part of the market and would complement other recent improvements there that have been driven by significant investment from the council.
“By adding a new element to the local food and drink offer, we anticipate STACK Leeds would also benefit the wider city centre by making Leeds an even more attractive place to spend time and money.”
