Repairs begin two years after building collapse

Repair work has started on one of Leeds's oldest streets which has been closed for two years since a building collapse.

The emergency closure of Kirkgate, on what was a city centre bus route, was put in place in April 2024 after part of an 18th-Century structure fell down.

Traders who have been affected by the reduced footfall said they were relieved repair work, which is expected to take 24 weeks, had finally got under way.

Myke Greaves, owner of Blue Collar Barbering, said: "The last two years has been dire for the businesses on the street. It's been pretty rough."

Several independent businesses are located on the road - whose origins date back at least 1,000 years and which is near the city's landmark Corn Exchange - including bars, cafes and a barber shop.

Greaves said there had not been much help from the city council in terms of promoting businesses on the street during the closure, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He added: "People prefer to walk round by the market due to the fact they think the whole street is closed."

Stuart Dixon, who runs Wapentake bar, said: "Trade is significantly down but we are still trading and we're not going anywhere.

"We need a few more people coming down the street, make it a bit more of an environment."

Business owners said the only positive to come from the disruption was that the area had felt more pedestrianised and they were able to utilise the outdoor space.

Leeds Civic Society had previously called for the street to be permanently pedestrianised once the restoration work was completed.

Speaking last month, Martin Hamilton, director of the trust, said discussions would be held with West Yorkshire Combined Authority on whether a permanent closure of the road could be put in place.

Leeds City Council, which has organised the repairs, said it was seeking to recover costs from the owner.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that our contractors have now begun work on site."

They said further updates about the progress would "follow in due course" and added "we thank local residents and businesses for their patience and support".

The owner of the buildings has been contacted for a comment.