Repair work finally starts on collapsed building in Leeds City Centre
Contractors are finally on site at Lower Kirkgate - almost two years after a derelict building caved in and closed the street
Repair work has started on a historic city centre street which has been closed to traffic since a building collapsed.
Contractors are on site at Lower Kirkgate, one of the oldest parts of they city, after a building caved in in April 2024.
Leeds City Council organised the repairs and said it was seeking to recover costs from the owner.
People running nearby businesses spoke of their relief after repair work started on the street near the city’s Corn Exchange.
Stuart Dixon, who runs Wapentake bar, said: “We’re still here. We’re not going anywhere.”
He called for the city council to me more proactive in supporting businesses nearby.
My Dixon said: “They are helping. They are working with us but it’s still too slow.”
Myke Greaves, owner of Blue Collar Barbering, said businesses had already been calling for Lower Kirkgate to be pedestrianised.
He said: “The footfall will come back once this has re-opened.
“But the last two years has been dire for the businesses on the street. It’s been pretty rough.”
The council said initial works on the street would take around six weeks, with further repairs set to last around 18 weeks.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that our contractors have now begun work on site.
“Preparatory activity is currently being carried out in the cordoned-off area in front of the buildings ahead of a main programme of stabilisation.
“Further updates about the progress of the work will follow in due course and, as always, we thank local residents and businesses for their patience and support.”
The repairs were started after an Urgent Works Notice was served, allowing the council to carry out repairs and seek to recover the costs.
The owner of the buildings has been contacted for a comment.