Greek Street in Leeds to close to traffic for summer trial

One of the most prominent food and drink locations in Leeds city centre is to be closed to traffic as part of a trial to create an improved outdoor atmosphere this summer.

Greek Street will be closed on a part-time basis every Thursday to Sunday, with the six-month trial beginning on Thursday 28 April and ending on Sunday 30 October.

The trial managed by Leeds City Council is aimed at creating a friendly and vibrant outdoor atmosphere over the summer, with restaurant and bar operators on Greek Street being able to put tables and chairs outside when the street is traffic-free.

The move follows on from the success of a similar trial on Merrion Street, which has become a key night-time destination in the city centre following a decision to close it to traffic in 2014.

The temporary closure of Greek Street will run from 5pm to midnight on Thursday and Friday nights, and then from 1pm to midnight on both Saturday and Sunday.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:

“This is great news for Greek Street and is a major part of our efforts to support businesses and make the city centre more attractive for residents and visitors. We want Leeds to have the most vibrant city centre in the country and that means we have to get behind schemes like this that improve the look and feel of outdoor spaces.

“The Merrion Street scheme has had a transformative effect on that area of the city centre and I’m sure that success will now be replicated on Greek Street.”

Greek Street currently features nine restaurant and bar operators including established premises such All Bar One and Carluccio’s, as well as newer venues Gusto, the Alchemist and The Liquorist.

They are supportive of the trial, with a spokesperson for Living Ventures, which owns and operates Gusto and the Alchemist, saying:

“We are delighted that Leeds City Council is taking this step, as we feel it will add to the already vibrant evening atmosphere that Leeds has and help make Greek Street a key city centre destination. This trial will enable us to offer more to visitors in the form of outside seating areas and staging different events bringing new life to Greek Street.”

Notes to editors:

1. Greek Street will be closed to traffic from Thursday 28 April to Sunday 30 October 2016 on the following days/times:

Thursdays and Fridays: 5pm until midnight

Saturdays and Sundays: 1pm until midnight

1. Alternative on-street parking is available on many nearby streets including South Parade and Bedford Street
2. Alternative disabled spaces will be available on South Parade.
3. Greek Street is home to nine restaurant and bar operators: All Bar One, The Alchemist, Carluccio’s, Bem Brasil, The Liquorist, Beckett’s Bank, Wagamamas, La Tasca, Gusto.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde

Leeds City Council communications,

Tel: 0113 247 5472