Best pictures as £10m renovation of Leeds' Kirkgate Market sees 'blockshops' transformed in boost for traders

The first phase of a £10m renovation of a series of Kirkgate Market units has been completed, as leaders in the city argued the investment will make a "huge difference to traders".

By James Connolly

Published 12th Oct 2023, 18:25 GMT

Updated 13th Oct 2023, 07:21 GMT

Work on the 19th Century 'blockshops', the most historic part of the venue, got underway last year. This week, Leeds City Council announced that the first phase of the project has finished.

A total of 24 units at the market were renovated and improved with features including new canopy fronts, electric roller shutters, extraction ducting, LED lighting and extra storage space. Wider structural work at Kirkgate Market has seen roofing repaired, walkways brightened up with new glazing, new guttering installed and floors lowered to enhance accessibility.

The project team has also taken care to protect the site’s history, with heritage features such as herringbone brickwork being restored to its former glory.

Another 24 units are expected to be given similarly stylish makeovers when the second and final phase of the scheme begins in the next few weeks.

Here are some of the best pictures following the expensive renovation work –

Leeds City Council's Deputy Leader Coun Jonathan Pryor was at Kirkgate Market today (October 12) to see the completed first phase of the £10m refurbishment project on the venues ‘blockshops’.

1. Kirkgate Market refurbishment

Leeds City Council's Deputy Leader Coun Jonathan Pryor was at Kirkgate Market today (October 12) to see the completed first phase of the £10m refurbishment project on the venues ‘blockshops’. Photo: Tony Johnson

The 19th Century units are the most historic part of the market and work to improve them got underway last year.

2. Kirkgate Market refurbishment

The 19th Century units are the most historic part of the market and work to improve them got underway last year. Photo: Tony Johnson

A total of 24 units were renovated and improved with features including new canopy fronts, electric roller shutters, extraction ducting, LED lighting and extra storage space.

3. Kirkgate Market refurbishment

A total of 24 units were renovated and improved with features including new canopy fronts, electric roller shutters, extraction ducting, LED lighting and extra storage space. Photo: Tony Johnson

Heritage features like the herringbone brickwork have also been restored to their former glory.

4. Kirkgate Market refurbishment

Heritage features like the herringbone brickwork have also been restored to their former glory. Photo: Tony Johnson

Dom Charkin and and Joe Grant, of company Zest, are set to take over this new premises

5. Kirkgate Market refurbishment

Dom Charkin and and Joe Grant, of company Zest, are set to take over this new premises Photo: Tony Johnson

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is an important and much-loved part of life in our city and, as such, we’re determined to keep on giving it the kind of care and attention it deserves."

6. Kirkgate Market refurbishment

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market is an important and much-loved part of life in our city and, as such, we’re determined to keep on giving it the kind of care and attention it deserves." Photo: Tony Johnson

Leeds Work Leeds City Council