A Leeds Kirkgate Market trader has slammed a new food village set to be constructed on her plot, claiming “drunks, druggies, bad smells and rats” are a problem there.

Leeds City Council is preparing to launch a new range of food, drink and entertainment outlets at the historic city-centre market. The local authority has said that regular pest control visits are carried out. These will be placed in the outdoor market area in a series of repurposed shipping containers over two floors.

The project is called Stack. Plans include a range of 10 street food outlets, six bars, a coffee shop, a stretch tent and two large digital screens. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

The project is set to displace traders who currently occupy the area. They’ve said they expect to be moved to the edge of the outdoor courtyard and trade facing a high metal fence.

A look at how the STACK at Leeds Kirkgate Market will look

More than 50 businesses, mainly city-centre restaurants and...