STACK Leeds Kirkgate Market bid filed as fast-growing leisure operator targets Leeds for its 15th UK venue

A planning application has been submitted for STACK Leeds Kirkgate Market, a two-storey container-style leisure hub that would bring street food, bars, a coffee shop, live entertainment, and giant digital screens to part of the market’s outdoor trading area. The application was filed on 27 March by STACK Leisure, one of the fastest-growing leisure operators in the North of England, which now has 14 venues open or in development across the UK from Carlisle to Northampton. Leeds would be its 15th bringing an expected 160 new jobs.

What’s Being Proposed

The venue would be built from repurposed shipping containers on part of the outdoor market’s current trading area. The STACK Leeds Kirkgate Market plan includes up to ten street food vendors, six bars, a coffee shop, a large stage for live music and entertainment, and huge digital screens around a central plaza partially covered by marquee-style stretch tents. The space is designed to operate seven days a week from early morning until late, functioning as a day-to-night destination rather than an evening-only venue.

The outdoor area currently has room for 185 stalls, with around 85 filled on the busiest days. If approved, stall numbers would be reduced to make space, but the council says the reconfigured area would still comfortably accommodate all existing traders and remain one of the largest outdoor markets in the region. STACK was selected as the council’s preferred operator following a 10-month competitive process, with the lease signed last year and a premises licence application already submitted.

“We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area. It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market.”

— Neill Winch, CEO, STACK Leisure

STACK’s Rapid Expansion

STACK’s growth since opening its first container-style leisure hub at Seaburn in 2020 has been striking. That single site has attracted more than 2.5 million visitors. The company has since opened or announced venues in Newcastle (two sites, including a fan zone at St James’ Park), Middlesbrough, Lincoln, Wigan, Durham, Bishop Auckland, Carlisle, Whitley Bay, Northampton, Sheffield, and Manchester. Leeds would join a national network that has expanded from one venue to 15 in five years.

The planning application sits alongside a £10 million council-funded project to repair and enhance the 1875 blockshops, the oldest surviving structures on the Kirkgate Market site, with the final phase due for completion later this year.

Why this matters for Leeds

The container-style leisure hub model pulls serious footfall: 2.5 million visitors at Seaburn alone. For Kirkgate Market, which already draws over 500,000 visitors a month, a purpose-built food, drink, and entertainment venue could transform the outdoor area from underused asset to one of the most vibrant spots in the city centre. With 160 new jobs and zero public cost, this is a significant moment for the market’s future.