We are saddened to hear that Wapentake Leeds is closing down.
Leeds Civic Trust believes that there is a clear link between the collapse of a shop front at the bottom of Kirkgate and the closure of Wapentake further up the street. Commenting on this disappointing news, Leeds Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton said:
“It is extremely sad news that Wapentake – the bar that led the renaissance of Kirkgate, the oldest street in Leeds, is closing. There is no doubt that the collapse of the property at the bottom of Kirkgate and the hoardings that have been erected to ensure the safety of the public give the impression that Kirkgate is closed for business. Buses are being diverted, and pedestrians are also avoiding the area meaning that there is a lack of passing trade.”
“All of the unrestored properties in this part of Kirkgate are in the same ownership, and it is unacceptable that in spite of grant funding being on the table for the last ten years, they remain in a state of disrepair. Responsible owners (including those who own the building occupied by Wapentake) have done the right thing.
If the owner won’t act, the Council must use all its powers to ensure that urgent action is taken so that these remaining properties are repaired and restored otherwise more businesses will close and the area will decline.”
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Image descriptions:
Title image: A photograph of the collapsed buildings on Kirkgate taken shortly after the initial collapse.
Image with text: A photograph of the street hoardings on Kirkgate.
