Rent reduction extended for Kirkgate Market traders

Traders at Leeds Kirkgate Market will be able to benefit from an extended reduction in rent whilst major refurbishment works are taking place.

It has been announced that a 20 per cent rent reduction which is currently in place but was due to expire this month for indoor traders and in December for outdoor traders, has now been extended until at least the end of the financial year in March 2016.

The major refurbishment has been underway for the past six months and although much work has taken place to minimise disruption to trade, Leeds City Council has agreed to extend the existing arrangements to offset the current trading conditions.

Councillor Gerry Harper, Leeds City Council’s markets champion said:

“We realise that during our substantial £13.7 million refurbishment programme of Leeds Kirkgate Market there will continue to be some disruption to both businesses and customers, which is why we have taken the decision to extend the 20 per cent reduction in base rents for traders.

“This will mean that regular traders at Kirkgate indoor and outdoor markets will continue to benefit from this financial support whilst works continue, which is a signal of our continued commitment to supporting businesses at Kirkgate Market during this exciting time of change.”

Once completed next year the newly refurbished market will form part of a prime retail location for the city, alongside the new Victoria Gate development. These improvements will make the market even more attractive to existing and future customers and traders.