By John Baron
Private operators will be able to hire the whole of Pudsey Market to run specialist weekend markets as part of a package of measures to breathe new life into it.
Earlier this summer Leeds City Council ran a public consultation on the future of the market, which has struggled with a lack of traders and footfall.
Results revealed by the council today showed 91% of respondents said there was a role for a market in Pudsey.
Following the consultation, the council has decided to make the entire market space available for hire by private operators on Saturdays and Sundays.
The selected operators will deliver a rolling programme of specialist markets, with themes from one weekend to the next likely to include street food, vintage and arts & crafts.
The specialist markets will replace the existing transitional Saturday market. The existing Tuesday and Friday operations will remain unchanged and are set to benefit from increased promotional activity aimed at shoppers and potential traders. It’s understood new Tuesday and Friday traders will also receive incentives to take out stalls.
The revamped weekend offer will, it is hoped, put the market on a more secure financial footing following a gradual decline in the number and variety of its stalls.
It is also hoped that people attending the weekend events will be more likely to make return visits to the market on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Key findings from the consultation included:
- 91 per cent of respondents said there was still a role for a market in Pudsey, with many citing the part it historically played in shaping the town’s character and identity;
- 70 per cent of the respondents who currently shop at the market mentioned ‘community feel’ as its main draw, with friendly staff and convenience also scoring highly;
- 89 per cent said they would like to see different specialist markets taking place each weekend;
- 80 per cent said they would be keen for a weekend programme to include farmers’ markets, with street food, vintage, arts & crafts and second-hand among the other popular choices;
- 61 per cent who expressed an interest in trading at specialist markets at Pudsey said they would like to do so on both Saturdays and Sundays.
The council said the decline, which reflects national trends driven by changing shopping habits, means rental income now only covers around half of the council’s running costs for the site.
Further details about the specialist markets – including their start date – will be announced following discussions with prospective Saturday and Sunday operators.
The new set-up will aim to replicate the success of the packed programme of food festivals and other community-focused activity that has been running in Leeds Kirkgate Market’s dedicated events space in recent years.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, said: “I’m really pleased that our consultation has shown such strong backing for the specialist markets we are now planning to host on Saturdays and Sundays in Pudsey.
“There should be a real buzz around these events and it’s our hope that people attending them will be more likely to visit the market on its normal trading days during the week. They also have the potential to help shops and other businesses in the wider community by bringing more people into the town centre.”
The consultation’s findings have been welcomed by Councillor Simon Seary (Cons, Pudsey), who thanked Pudsey residents for their feedback.
Cllr Seary, who organised said: “We have already seen what can be achieved through the monthly Pudsey Produce and Craft Market, run by myself and Cllr Dawn Seary. Every stall is filled and there is always a great turnout, showing that this approach can work.
“The new weekend programme could include farmers’ markets, street food, vintage, arts and crafts and second-hand markets. However, it will need a changing variety of stalls and businesses each week to keep it interesting and give people a reason to return.
“The traditional Tuesday and Friday markets will remain unchanged. While the new weekend offer is a positive step for Pudsey Market, it will also allow us to focus our energy on supporting and growing the traditional market days through improved marketing, better signage and a refreshed look and design.
“Making better use of the market at weekends should bring more people into Pudsey town centre, support surrounding businesses and improve the market’s financial position, helping to protect its future.”
The move was also welcomed by Councillor Trish Smith (Reform). She said: “It’s very positive news that the team is going to support the market and we need to all get behind it. It will be great to get additional use in there.
“It taps into what I’m trying to achieve with the Pudsey Lottery, which is to support local businesses and boost footfall. I hope they give it enough time to work.”
Cllr Smith said she would be happy to support any short term improvements to the market through her ward-based money.
Pudsey Market’s current opening hours are 8.30am to 3.30pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Sponsored content
