Leeds - Kirkgate Market, Overview

Unknown to many, Marks & Spencer first started in Kirkgate Market with the opening of the first Penny Bazaar stall in 1884 by Michael Marks. The market was the largest indoor market in Europe when it first opened in 1857, with the iconic glazed room being added in 1895. Designed by the architect Joseph Paxton, the market has been described as pushing 'technological as well as architectural boundaries' Leeds.gov.uk. The market seeing the development of leeds has required positive and bettering changes over the years, with the entrance being design by Joseph and John Leeming. The needs for this design was due to the the up-keeping of the market and ensuring that it fitted in with its developing surroundings. This therefore demonstrates that it is a location that has shaped and benefited Leeds, providing a retail location which many have benefited and strived form. 

Although surviving the bombing on the second world war, two thirds of the market were lost due to an uncontrollable fire in December 1975. Due to the enthusiasm of the traders, the market continued to open and new halls were built to replace what was lost. In 2013 Leeds City Council invested £12million in the future of the market. This allowed for appropriate renovations to be made and further enhancing the retail and community experience that the market brought to its customers and traders.