Wapentake: Anger at 'clear link' between building collapse on Kirkgate and closure of much-loved Leeds bar

Wapentake on Kirkgate has announced that it will close this Sunday (June 23) as a result of the “current climate and current building works” taking place on the street, which has caused them to “suffer a great deal and fall on hard times”.

Sections of Kirkgate and Harper Street have been closed off since a dilapidated building collapsed on April 12.

Leeds Civic Trust, which works to promote heritage buildings and encourage improvements in the city, was critical of the “lack of progress” in restoring the stretch of derelict buildings, which are privately owned.

The group has now released a statement, saying that it “believes that there is a clear link” between the building collapse and Wapentake’s closure.

Commenting on the “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.

“The council must use all its powers to ensure that urgent action is taken to ensure that these remaining properties are repaired and restored otherwise more businesses will close and the area will decline.”

In response, a spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “A huge amount of regeneration activity has taken place on Kirkgate over the last decade – including the restoration of buildings and the completion of public realm works – and we are determined to continue driving forward the transformation of this important and historic street.

“To this end, the council is in active discussions with the owner of the collapsed property to try to ensure that stabilisation and other work at the site – which initially began in April but is currently paused – is completed as soon as possible. Once this work has been carried out, it is hoped that the traffic restrictions on Kirkgate can be lifted and the road reopened.

“The council has for some time been keen to see the building restored and brought back into use, with nearby properties having already been given a new lease of life thanks to grant support provided through the Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative.

“We are continuing to consider all options with a view to facilitating a long-term restoration and regeneration solution for both the collapsed building – which had been in a state of disrepair for a number of years – and other properties on Kirkgate that belong to the same owner.”

Wapentake announced the news of its closure on Instagram, saying: “Leeds Leeds Leeds, it is with an extremely heavy heart that we are announcing the closure of our beloved Little Piece of Yorkshire.

“With the current climate and the building works currently taking place on Kirkgate our business has suffered a great deal and fallen on hard times.”

Bosses also urged people to support independent businesses during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The post added: “We’ll be having a farewell bash pretty much all weekend for those that would like to come and say goodbye and celebrate Wapentake with us. It proper is an end of an era for us.

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“Support your local (or just any) independent gaff whenever you can. It really does go a long way

“We’ll be operating as usual throughout this week for your coffee and brunch/ burger needs.

“We chuffin love you Leeds.”

The business will operate as usual, offering food and drink throughout the week, until its closure on Sunday.

Wapentake first opened in 2015 on 92 Kirkgate, one of Leeds’ oldest streets.

The 18th century building, which was once a cloth merchant’s home, was refurbished as part of a city centre regeneration scheme brought about by a £110,000 grant.