Market to get makeover as long-term future debated

The market, in Leeds, could be reduced in size and may no longer be run by Leeds City Council after councillors earlier agreed to look at options for its future in more detail.

In July senior councillors agreed to produce a further report which will examine moving the ownership of the market to an arm’s length company and determine the best size for the market.

Yesterday the council said footfall had increased by four per cent in recent weeks. The welcome news comes as the council looks to move forward with the next phase of its plans to secure the market’s long-term future.

Work will shortly begin on the first phase of a programme to carry out essential maintenance to the building. This will include £200k of investment on the market’s electrics and ventilation systems, as well as repairs to the roof of the 1904 building. A further second phase of much-needed works totalling £400k is planned for the coming months.

The council is also looking to finalise plans for long-term investment that will return the market to its former glory. They are asking an independent specialist to advise them on how to make the most of the market space so that work on the improvements can start in earnest.

The specialists will advise on the optimum and most competitive size of the market as well as the potential for securing significant investment for its renovation, possibly in partnership with the private sector.