Kill or cure – traders split over effect new market food venue could have

Market traders are divided over the effect a new container style food and drink venue would have on their businesses.

- by Charles Gray

Plans for a new outdoor food village at Kirkgate Market took a significant step forward earlier this year when a formal lease agreement was signed between Leeds City Council and operators Stack, meaning that they are now just awaiting planning and licensing approval.

The development would see shipping containers converted into a venue featuring up to 10 street food vendors, six bars, a coffee shop and a stage for live entertainment.

However, the plans have received some criticism, with 30 traders signing a joint letter saying it would hamper the work done to regenerate the food hall and cause damage to other hospitality businesses in Leeds.

The council refuted the claims, saying that the development would bring more people to the market and help sustain its long term future.

The repurposed shipping containers would be sited in the outdoor market, where, on our Thursday afternoon visit, a fraction of the dedicated space was taken up by traders.

There was a frequent narrative of the outdoor market's best days being behind it-but stall holders were split over whether Stack would accelerate that trajectory or deliver a much-needed boost to trade.