LeedsCity Community Space opens in Leeds Kirkgate Market

A new space for relaxing and meeting in the heart of Leeds comes to life this weekend (Saturday 28 January).

LeedsCity Community Space, created by First Bus in a partnership with Leeds Kirkgate Market, features a giant floor ‘mural’ covering more than 150 square metres.

The area is situated close to the Market Kitchen food court and its centrepiece is the huge artwork depicting a ‘journey’ around famous locations in the city centre and surrounded by tables and seating.

First Bus commissioned artists from Leeds Street Gallery, a community organisation focused on bringing more colour to the streets of Leeds, to produce the design and paint the floor.

The opening on Saturday will feature children’s entertainers, fun activities and games to highlight the space.

First Bus has teamed up with Leeds Kirkgate Market to showcase the leisure, retail and community attractions at the venue, which has been a landmark of central Leeds for over 160 years and is currently underway with a further programme of interior development.

Plans are being discussed for a series of events and promotions through the year to highlight different product sectors and traders. Short films have been made of some of the 120 businesses based in the Grade 1 building, which dates from 1857 and it the biggest covered market in Europe.

It’s part of a joint aim to encourage greener ways to go shopping and enjoy leisure and social time.

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education said: “The LeedsCity Community Space is a vibrant addition to the market and we look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to this newly-refurbished area.  

“It’s a space people can enjoy in their own way, whether that’s engaging with the artwork, having a catch-up with friends, sampling one of the market’s many food options or just taking a well-earned break from the hustle and bustle of the day. 

“We’re delighted to have worked alongside First Bus on the delivery of the project, with Saturday’s opening celebration promising to be a real event to remember.”

Lucy Mottram, Marketing Manager for First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “The floor is a visual treat and creates a vibrant and colourful space to relax in and meet with family and friends.

“We are working with the Leeds Kirkgate Market team to encourage anyone, whether they’re visiting Leeds or live and work in the city, to discover what’s inside and the amazing choice of unique shopping and international cuisine.

“Taking the bus is a more sustainable way to get there and builds on our shared goal of helping to reduce the carbon footprint of customers. The bus also reduces congestion, which is a benefit to all road users.”

Ends

Photo captions:

Standing: Cllr Pryor (left) with Richard Harrison of First Bus.

Seated: Cllr Pryor (right) with Richard Harrison of First Bus.

About Leeds Kirkgate Market

One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate is a shopper’s paradise from fresh food, drink and fashion to jewellery, flowers, hardware and haberdashery.  At the heart of the Leeds retail scene since 1857, Leeds Kirkgate Market is home to some of the most characterful traders in the city, with businesses spanning generations and representing a wide range of nationalities. 

Leeds Kirkgate Market is open Monday to Saturday 8 to 5.30pm. 

Leeds Kirkgate Market, Vicar Lane, Leeds City Centre LS2 7HY, telephone: 0113 378 1950, www.leedsmarkets.co.uk

About Leeds Street Gallery

Leeds Street Gallery is a community organisation focused on bringing more colour to the streets of Leeds. Leeds Street Gallery was instrumental in establishing a network of over 9 legal art walls in Leeds, allowing both established artists and those wanting to jump into the world a street art, places to practise. They also curate and install community murals and have worked with organisations such as Leeds Rhinos, Virgin Media, Josh Warrington, 11 Degrees and now First Bus. They also provide street art workshops to schoolchildren and youth groups in Leeds.