Sneak peek at Leeds Kirkgate Market's £13m revamp

The YEP was given a special preview of the market’s £13m transformation, which will be unveiled to the public on May 31.

The revamp includes a new daily market and fresh produce section with a new food hall and dining area.

Popular names joining the market include Manjit’s Kitchen and Cafe Moor as well as a Turkish bakery, Vietnamese eatery and pop-up shops.

Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “This is one of the most exciting developments happening in Leeds at the moment.

“These new traders will help create a market which is fit for the future, and encourage even more people to come and see what Kirkgate has to offer.”

Leeds City Council will soon be asking for the public’s help to rename the new area of the market.

Sue Burgess, head of markets at the council, said: “We thought the public should have a hand in renaming the market hall and have their say.”

A new activity area – complete with its own eight-metre LED screen – has also been created, and will host live music events, exhibitions, sport events, demonstrations and more in the coming months.

It will launch with a ‘Handmade in Yorkshire’ event on June 4, as part of the Leeds Indie Food Festival.

The next stage of the refurbishment project will see extensive repairs made to the roof.

Tom Bridges, chief officer for economy and regeneration at Leeds City Council, added: “We are really grateful to all the traders – particularly those who have had to relocate elsewhere within the market – for bearing with us for what has been a difficult period.”

* For a full run-down of the new independent food and drink traders joining Kirkgate Market, see the City Buzz section in tomorrow’s YEP.