Plans for rapidly expanding leisure company STACK to launch a drinking, dining and entertainment destination in the heart of Leeds have moved a step closer.
The original STACK was formed in 2018 from 60 shipping containers on the site of the former Odeon Cinema in Newcastle, amid moves to become a social hub in the city centre while longer term plans for the plot of land were explored.
The inaugural Stack has long been dismantled to make way for the city’s largest ever office scheme, but the brand’s success has been replicated across the North and beyond, in locations including Seaburn, Lincoln, Middlesbrough and St James’s in Newcastle, alongside a healthy pipeline of planned Stack sites across the Ƶ including in Manchester, Sheffield, Wigan and Carlisle.
Leeds City Council confirmed STACK in March last year as its preferred operator for Leeds Kirkgate Market, which would offer a mix of food, drink and entertainment in part of the market’s outdoor trading area. Now, following further design and preparatory work, the council and STACK have announced the signing of a formal lease agreement.
Subject to licensing and planning approvals, the start of construction on the scheme could be just months away. New details have also been revealed about what people can expect from the attraction.
Under current plans, STACK Leeds would be spread across two floors, with a central plaza seating area covered by a stretch tent to provide shelter, when needed, from the elements. The plaza is proposed to be home to two large digital screens as well as a stage that would be used for live music and other entertainment.
Ten street food outlets, six bars and a coffee shop, meanwhile, would serve up a range of eating and drinking options for customers. A premises licence application has already been submitted for the scheme, and a planning application is expected to follow shortly.
If both are approved, it is hoped building work could start in early 2026 with a view to the venue opening later in the year. Construction costs would be met by STACK, with rental payments generating a new income stream for the council.
The development – which is expected to create 160 jobs – will increase footfall and broaden the customer base for the whole market site. The outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled on its busiest days.
If STACK Leeds secures approvals, the number of pitches will be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme. The reconfigured area would still be able to comfortably accommodate all existing traders as well as new arrival, and would also remain one of the largest sites of its kind in the region.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “The plans for STACK Leeds are really exciting and underline our ongoing commitment to backing and investing in Leeds Kirkgate Market.
“I’m delighted, therefore, that the project has now reached this important milestone, thanks to a great deal of hard work from both the council and STACK. Together we are determined to ensure that the new venue is very much part of the market, rather than a standalone attraction. Every person heading to STACK Leeds will also be a potential shopper, whether that’s on the day or during a return visit.
“Some may even start making regular trips to the market for the first time, having previously been unaware of the recent retail improvements there. It is this kind of new custom – combined with the much-appreciated support of existing shoppers – that will help the site’s many and varied businesses prosper for years to come.”
Neill Winch, STACK’s chief executive officer, said: “We’re delighted to be taking this important step towards bringing STACK to Leeds. This is a city with incredible energy and a proud sense of community, which makes it a perfect location for our concept.
“While STACK continues to grow across the Ƶ, our focus remains on creating spaces that celebrate local culture, support independent businesses and provide somewhere people can come together to enjoy great food, drink and live entertainment. Importantly, our offer will complement the fantastic outdoor and indoor market by attracting a new audience and, by opening seven days a week from early morning until late, we’ll help drive footfall and support the market’s wider ecosystem.
“We’re excited to work with Leeds City Council to deliver a destination that adds real value to Kirkgate Market and the city centre.”
