‘There is still a lot of life in this building’: What does the future hold for Leeds Kirkgate Market?
‘There is still a lot of life in this building’
Kirkgate Market is steeped in history, becoming the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened in 1857.
It’s had its challenges over the years, from a fire that devastated the building in the 1970s, restrictions during the Covid pandemic, and competition from online retailers.
The Grade I-listed market is now home to more than 225 businesses, who are continuing to reinvent what they offer to keep up with changing trends.
We went down to the market to find out what it’s like to trade there in 2026 - and what the future holds.
Joanne Johnson has owned The Nut Shop in the market for 28 years, which sells dried fruits, vegan chocolates and baking staples.
“The market in general isn’t as busy as it used to be, as Covid made quite a big difference on all of us”, she told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“Retail is not the same, people got used to sitting at home and shopping in their pyjamas. We’re all a bit guilty of that, but the market hasn’t recovered yet, however we’re all trying our best.”
In recent years, the market has tried to adapt to the 21st century shopper, with the opening of its Market Kitchen food hall. But customer Robert Fulling reminisced about the “thriving” market in the 1970s.
“The section you see now used to be all stalls, but now it’s an eating area”, he shared.
“The only reason you see people coming in now is on an afternoon when they’re on their break from work, and then it’s basically dead again.”
There have been calls for Leeds City Council to lower the cost of rent for traders, something that Steven Whitaker, who owns Brown’s Sweets, wants to see put in motion.
“Some of these units have been empty for 15-20 years, that has got to tell you something”, he said.
“There are a lot of shops that open, have great grandeur, and then close again because they just can’t afford the rent.
“There used to be a sports shop, there was a Leeds United shop here at one point and that’s gone now. People’s habits have changed and customer loyalty has changed right across high streets in general.”
Many traders agreed that they’ve had to adapt to these new habits and the changing demographics of customers passing through the market every day.
Steven Myers is one of them. He has owned S Myer’s Fishmongers for 30 years.
He told us: “The market has had to change, there is a lot more variety now, and it is about catering for the demand.
“It is a good thing because we have got to move with the times, we can’t just rely on the old ways, and the market is doing the best they can to get more people in. People don’t want things to stay the same.”
Callum Crymble, who opened The Galley Delicatessen in just December last year, is feeling hopeful about the future of the market.
“There is still a lot of life in this building,” he told YEP.
“It’s such a historic piece of the city that people feel passionate about, and I see brighter days ahead.
“I think this market has been through many challenges in the past and I think it will stand the test of time. It is so diverse in terms of food offerings so there’s a lot more to come from the market.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, said the market had demonstrated “remarkable resilience” in bouncing back from challenges over the years.
She said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market has been breaking new ground from day one, becoming the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened in 1857.
“It was still blazing a trail as the 19th century prepared to give way to the 20th, as shown by the introduction of an innovative cooled area for fishmongers bringing fresh produce from the coast in the 1890s.
“More recently, with the opening of its Market Kitchen street food hall, a dedicated events space and many new independent businesses, it has shrewdly and successfully sought to broaden its customer base and ensure its offer meets the needs of the 21st century shopper.
“This willingness to embrace change – while always respecting the market’s history and heritage – is still very much in evidence today, with the £10m refurbishment of its 19th century ‘blockshops’ area anticipated to be completed later this year and plans submitted for the STACK Leeds food, drink and entertainment venue.”