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 –
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
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
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
4. Kirkgate Market refurbishment
Heritage features like the herringbone brickwork have also been restored to their former glory. Photo: Tony Johnson
5. Kirkgate Market refurbishment
Dom Charkin and and Joe Grant, of company Zest, are set to take over this new premises Photo: Tony Johnson
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