A planning application has been submitted for a ‘container village’ attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market, marking a major milestone for a scheme that aims to add a vibrant new element to the city’s leisure offer.
The application was submitted today (Friday, March 27) by STACK Leisure, which already runs popular food, drink and entertainment hubs in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.
The proposed STACK Leeds venue would be a two-storey structure made up of repurposed shipping containers and situated in part of the market’s outdoor trading area.
It would have space for six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage for live entertainment and giant digital screens, with marquee-style ‘stretch tents’ partially covering its central plaza.
The development would, it is expected, increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the whole market site.
And, by replicating the model that has made its other container villages such a success, STACK is confident the scheme would also benefit the wider city centre and existing hospitality businesses.
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.
The market’s outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled on its busiest days.
Should STACK Leeds secure planning approval, the number of pitches would be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme.
The reconfigured area would still be able to comfortably accommodate all existing traders – as well as new arrivals – and would also remain one of the largest sites of its kind in the region.
The cost of building the container village would be met by STACK, with rental payments creating a new income stream for the council.
Councillor 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.
Recent improvements at the market include an ongoing £10m project to repair, conserve and enhance 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.
