New era for Pudsey Market as consultation confirms its valued role in local life

Nearly 750 responses were received during the consultation, which was conducted by Leeds City Council to help it explore ways to maximise the market’s appeal at a time when competition from online and out-of-town shopping has never been tougher.

The findings reveal a heartfelt appreciation for the council-run market’s community feel, convenience and history – but also highlight the importance of ensuring its offer is as varied and vibrant as possible.

Following careful analysis of the consultation results, the council has therefore 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 market’s existing Tuesday and Friday operations, meanwhile, will remain unchanged and are set to benefit from increased promotional activity aimed at shoppers and potential traders.

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.

The consultation took place over a three-week period last month, with responses being received from traders, regular shoppers at the market and people who at present tend to shop elsewhere. Key findings 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 of respondents said they would like to see different specialist markets taking place each weekend;
• 80 per cent of respondents 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 of the respondents who expressed an interest in trading at specialist markets at Pudsey said they would like to do so on both Saturdays and Sundays.

The revamped weekend offer will, it is anticipated, put the market on a more secure financial footing following a gradual decline in the number and variety of its stalls.

This 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:

“Markets are part of the fabric of life in many communities across Leeds and we are determined, as a council, to do everything we can to support them.

“I’m really pleased, therefore, 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.

“I look forward to seeing what the schedule for the new weekend markets has to offer once it has been announced.”

Pudsey Market’s current opening hours are 8.30am to 3.30pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

ENDS