Member Article

£12.3 million budget for Leeds Kirkgate development

The refurbishment of the Kirkgate Market reaches a major milestone with the publication of a report today, which will recommend planning application and listed building consent for the £12.3 million redevelopment.

The Executive Board already agreed to release £1.615m in March 2013 to progress it to this stage.

The report, due to be published on Tuesday 25 March and considered by the council’s Executive Board on Wednesday 2 April, will recommend that design and cost proposals are signed off.

With millions of visitors expected when Victoria Gate opens, the market will be able to make the most of increased footfall and customer spending with the existing and new businesses located in the market.

The report will seek approval to spend £10.8 million on substantial improvements to the market structure and layout, which will help secure the markets future (bringing the total to £12.3 million)

The report, will also announce a package of support for traders relocating as part of the improvement plans.

If this gets the green light, the council will offer a mixture of grants and interest free loans to those relocating traders to cover the cost of moving and fitting out their new premises.

The report coincides with the start of the search for a developer to come on board to develop the George Street frontage of the market.

Developers are being asked to come forward with initial proposals for the ground floor which could include shops, restaurants or cafes and first floor accommodation which could be linked to the ground floor uses or as independent retail or commercial space. There is also potential to develop up to five floors.

CGI proposal for the interior of Kirkgate

Councillor Richard Lewis, executive member for development and economy, said: “We’re proposing a major investment in an iconic listed building with significant local importance attached to it, so it’s vital that we get this right.

“This is a very complex project with many different elements to it and the report being published explains a number of these issues that we’ll need to consider before moving forward.

“We’re absolutely clear that we must invest in the market so it can take full advantage of its unique position in Leeds’ retail landscape.

“It would be remiss of us to not invest and pursue the redevelopment of George Street given the opportunity represented by the Victoria Gate development and the millions of predicted visitors.

“Although this is an unrivalled chance to make the market an even bigger success we certainly don’t underestimate the challenges it will present.

“We’re committed to our pledge that the market will remain open throughout works and we’ll continue to work with traders to minimise disruption.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .