Kirkgate Market - Leeds
Successfully renovated while preserving the iconic Grade 1 listed Kirkgate Market
PROJECT TYPE:
Commercial
CLIENT:
Leeds City Council
COMPLETION:
October 2016
DURATION:
6 Months
Kirkgate Market, Leeds – United Kingdom
OPPORTUNITY:
In June 2015, Leeds City Council commissioned the refurbishment of the iconic Kirkgate Market, the largest covered market in Europe and the birthplace of Marks & Spencer. The market attracts over 100,000 visitors a week and is a cornerstone of commerce for Leeds.
Working alongside civil engineering contractor, Interserve, MAC Paving Ltd oversaw the paving refurbishment and working alongside the lead contractor to maximise the visual appeal of the site.
SOLUTION:
As part of the project, the services engineer installed a new sprinkler system and installed over 620 metres of new drainage channels. The drainage works involved MAC Paving Ltd lifting of every single one of the original Yorkshire stone paving flags, numbering them, cleaning them and reinstalling them to original condition. To improve the new route to the market for pedestrians, Mac Paving improved signage and supplemented the upgrade of entrances to the market to allow greater customer flow into the market.
Crucially, this was achieved through minimal disruption to business in the surrounding areas. Traders continued business as usual and the public was aware there was no interruption to trading.
OUTCOME:
Following the refurbishment, Kirkgate market continues to be the central hub for shoppers and employers across Leeds and the Yorkshire area. MAC Paving Ltd has incorporated a sustainable solution to ensure better quality that has a maintenance life of 100 years after completion. Most importantly, MAC Paving Ltd successfully maintained the integrity of market, ensuring that customers experience a rustic and Victorian feel and providing a testament to the City of Leeds’ history.
