Traders have voiced concern over Leeds City Council’s plans to build a new outdoor food village in Kirkgate Market.
The council signed the lease agreement in August with operator Stack to build a shipping-container-style leisure venue in Kirkgate Market’s outdoor section. In a signed letter to the council, over 50 hospitality leaders and traders argued that the new venue would take customers away from the market’s existing independent businesses.
Opened in 1857, Kirkgate Market is one of Leeds’s most popular attractions with 185 stalls available for traders. The historic venue is best known for their range of independent shops and food retailers. However, local businesses have struggled to reach the same footfall levels since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some traders are concerned that the STACK plans are part of a wider problem of gentrification in Leeds. James Stock, owner of the plant-based food stall Fat Annie’s, believes that the venue would be a “misstep” on the council’s part. “It’s not the draw the council think it is: every single city has got this kind of thing… it’s a very generic thing,” said Mr Stock.
Other traders have spoken about wider problems affecting business such as the cost-of-living crisis. David Ramsden, owner of Ramsdens Fish, cited the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent budget as a new obstacle. “It’s been the most damaging and dangerous thing we’ve faced in quite some time,” said Mr Ramsden, “We had to let a member of our staff go when we’d just been expanding.” Mr Ramsden added that the rising energy bills, service changes and suppliers’ costs makes “everything pile up.”
The new Stack venue will feature 10 street food vendors, six bars, a cafe, a covered plaza, and a stage area with digital screens. According to STACK’s website, the proposed expansion promises “160 new jobs” for the area. It is unclear how many jobs will be based in the hospitality sector and if any of them may replace those of existing traders.
Previous Stack attractions have faced backlash after being approved by councils, with major construction delays at sites in Durham and Northampton since last year. The Newcastle venue has even faced legal challenges from a local hospitality group over extension plans.
STACK Leisure and Leeds City Council were reached for comment but have yet to respond.