Council chiefs will be responding to the deputation proposals for Kirkgate market in Leeds next week. 

Members of the executive board will respond to the original deputation put forward by the National Federation of Market Traders in April this year, which called for more investment in the market, lower rents, cheaper car parking and re-investment.

A report submitted to Leeds City Council’s executive board next week ( Tuesday 22 June) will outline proposals for a rent review, a reduction in charges for ‘yellow line’ areas and proposals for marketing and further promotion of the market. A review of markets management is also proposed and with consultation with trade unions, a permanent Markets Manager post should be appointed. 

An independent rent view has been proposed to see if the current levels of rents are appropriate, and in the meantime there will be a 50% reduction in the charges for extending produce beyond stalls into the ‘yellow line’ area. 

In terms of marketing, an official website will be developed which will feature every trader free of charge, and will promote district markets as well as Kirkgate Market. Along with an official website a new map listing all stalls and their locations is being developed. 

Councillor Mark Dobson, Leeds Kirkgate market champion said:
“The market is a very important part of Leeds and offers a unique alternative shopping experience and it is key that we move forward and work towards improving it.

“We need to be realistic and realise that the changes we wish to implement will not happen overnight, but we understand the need to act quickly and work with the traders to demonstrate a genuine commitment to working together to improve things.”

More than 10 million people visit Kirkgate market every year but the council is seeking to improve this and encourage new shoppers to visit the market along with existing shoppers continuing their support. 

source: Leeds City Council