Plans progress for STACK Leeds leisure complex

Plans for a city leisure development have moved forward.

STACK has signed a lease agreement with Leeds City Council to create a food, drink and entertainment complex at Kirkgate Market.

Bosses say the two-storey base will create 160 jobs and include ten street food outlets, six bars and a coffee shop.

The blueprint also includes a central plaza seating area and a stage for live music and entertainment.

They add construction – which will maintain STACK’s mantra of repurposing shipping containers to create leisure spaces – could begin early next year, with the venue primed to open later in 2026.

The plans come just weeks after STACK secured approval to expand its flagship shipping container village at Seaburn, in Sunderland, with a gaming hub set to feature interactive shuffleboard and darts, karaoke booths, bowling, beer pong and pool tables.

It was also recently granted a five-year planning extension to continue operating a site outside Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, with another Newcastle base – at the city’s Worswick Chambers – set to open soon.

Neill Winch, STACK chief executive, said: “Leeds is a city with incredible energy and a proud sense of community, which makes it a perfect location for our concept.

“We’re excited to work with Leeds City Council to deliver a destination that adds real value to Kirkgate Market and the city centre.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “The plans underline our ongoing commitment to backing and investing in Kirkgate Market.

“I’m delighted the project has now reached this important milestone.”

STACK opened venues in Lincoln and Middlesbrough last year, and plans to create further sites in Durham, Bishop Auckland, Whitley Bay, Carlisle, Northampton, Manchester, Wigan and Sheffield.

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