Shoppers, traders and the council agree on Kirkgate Market's 'massive potential' - but what next for the Leeds institution?

For 60 years, Charles James has browsed and bartered the items on offer at Kirkgate Market in Leeds. He is among shoppers and traders offering suggestions to improve the space, after councillors in the city approved plans they hope will revitalise it.

"It is not alive," Charles tells me, reminiscing on the days the market would bustle with shoppers.

He visits the stalls every week and says it has been "sad" to witness the decline over the decades.

"I see the change in it."

The Grade I listed market, which first opened as an open air sales site in 1822, is home to more than 225 businesses, both indoor and outdoor.

According to Leeds City Council, the market has played a "significant role" in the economic growth of Leeds.

Senior councillors discussed a new five-year strategy for improving the space during the authority's executive board.

Draft plans include a new food and drink attraction, hotel, free events and digital marketing.

Charles suggests lowering rents for traders in order to encourage people to set up at the market.

"There is a lot of space not being used," he says.

He insists accessibility is key to improving the popularity of the historic retail space though.

"People do not come into town as much now, because there are no parking spaces.

"I would like to see more parking that is not expensive so people can come in and out of town," Charles explains.

He believes that more food and drink offerings "will not be enough to attract people."

According to the authority, footfall at Kirkgate Market in 2025 reached 5.8m.

Before the pandemic, the number of people using the space was 7m.

Their report suggests the market remains impacted by the cost of living crisis, changes in retail approaches and new working patterns.

David Verb, who has sold bedding, throws and T-shirts here since 1978, says the reported footfall is at odds with his takings.

"I am not exaggerating, 40 years ago, I used to take three or four times the amount of money that I do today," the trader says.

David believes marketing could help boost shopper numbers: "People just pass through. There is massive potential - it needs to be advertised.

"They used to have trippers coming in from all over - it really could be phenomenal".

Occupancy of units rose to 88% by the end of 2025 according to the council.

Under the new five-year plan, traders will be given help to boost their own profiles, while the council will try to expand the market's digital reach online.

The new scheme follows works already under way on the market's 19th Century blockshops - a group of eight two-storey buildings which date back to 1875.

The £10m investment is due to conclude this summer.

Planning processes are also in development for a food and beverage container space in the outdoor market.

The company STACK was awarded the contract and subject to planning could open in 2027.

Support worker Joanne visits the market regularly with people she cares for.

She tells me that that any improvements have to be "affordable" for the people who use the space.

"I do not think people have really got the money for up-market stalls."

While perusing products, she adds: "I think the eating places could be a bit more high standard."

In a statement, the council's deputy leader, councillor Jonathan Pryor, told the BBC that the market was a "hugely important part of local life".

The politician said "a mix of investment and innovative thinking" from the council had supported the site during the past five years.

"Recovery from the effects of the pandemic has not been easy, but today the market is in good shape and ready to face the future with confidence," he added.

Although change may be in the air, not every shopper I spoke to was keen to embrace the future.

The man, who didn't give his name, explains he travelled into Leeds from Halifax and used the market.

"The fruit and veg is cheap, everyone is very friendly."

"We have not got this in Halifax - it is brilliant."

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