Ideal choice for shoppers as new businesses open at Leeds Kirkgate Market

An impressive total of 18 indoor businesses have opened at the historic and much-loved retail destination over the course of the last 12 months.

And although the market’s food offer remains as strong as ever, the range of other products being sold by its latest arrivals are a reminder that this is a shopping spot with something for everyone.

One of the recently-opened businesses, Zen & Pops, is based in the 1904 Hall and specialises in autism-friendly sensory and educational toys.

Toys Shop, another newcomer that is sure to be a hit with younger customers, can be found in the 1981 Hall.

Luggage retailer Bargain Bags has opened in the 1981 Hall while a furniture business, Buy Direct UK, that was already trading at the market has expanded its presence there by moving into a large previously-vacant unit, again in the 1981 Hall.

The recent flurry of openings has come as work continues on Leeds City Council’s £10m refurbishment of the market’s 19th-century ‘blockshops’ area.

The first phase of the scheme saw a total of 24 units renovated and improved with features such as new canopy fronts, electric roller shutters, extraction ducting, LED lighting and extra storage space.

Another 16 units were completed earlier this year, with one of the new businesses in this section – Hellenic Delicacies & More, a delicatessen selling Greek grocery products and pastries – set to open shortly.

Work on the renovation of the remaining 12 blockshop units is due to finish next year.

Footfall figures for 2024, meanwhile, show the market received more than 5.9m visits over the year, four per cent up on the total for 2023.

Those figures were in part driven by a packed summer schedule of free family-friendly activities.

And visitors to the market can look forward to more of the same in 2025, with a free children’s activities programme running there from July 21 to August 29.

The What’s on at Kirkgate webpage will be updated through the summer with details about this year’s programme, which will include fun sessions featuring everything from circus skills to real-life arcade-style games.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

“Leeds Kirkgate Market is rightly renowned for the quality and value of the produce served up by its butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers, bakers and array of other food retailers.

“That’s not all the market has to offer, though, as shown by the range of exciting new businesses that have opened there over the last year.

“I’m delighted that our substantial investment in this important local landmark is making it even more attractive for traders and customers alike.

“The support of everyone who works or shops at the market is very much appreciated as we continue our efforts to ensure its future is just as bright as its long and storied past.”

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 ongoing transformation of the area’s trading units has been complemented by wider structural work which has seen roofing repaired, walkways brightened up with new glazing, new guttering installed and floors lowered to enhance accessibility.

For more information about trading opportunities in both the blockshops and the market as a whole, click here.

ENDS