The team behind Manchester foodhall and music venue Freight Island at Depot Mayfield is heading to Leeds to operate the expanded Trinity Kitchen as part of a £15 million redevelopment at the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.
Since it launched in 2013, the Trinity Kitchen food court has combined permanent eateries with a rotating selection of street-food traders, supporting almost 300 independent operators and drawing annual footfall in excess of 800,000 visitors.
The current programme will see a previously unused 15,000 sq ft area above the existing space transformed into a 63,000 sq ft food and leisure destination. Plans include a striking new outdoor terrace with views over City Square. Construction is scheduled to begin in late spring 2026, and Trinity Kitchen will remain open throughout the work.
Since opening on the outer edge of Depot Mayfield in 2020, Freight Island has become known for its mix of container-style street food stalls, independent bars, outdoor seating and live entertainment, with the likes of Burgerism, Nell’s and Pattersons all trading under its roof.
The Trinity Leeds site will become the fourth location for the concept, which is also opening in Newcastle later this year.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “Delivering an exceptional visitor experience has always been our top priority here at Trinity Leeds. Since launching in 2013, Trinity Kitchen has been an exciting and evolving concept, and our new plans will mark its most exciting chapter yet. The venue will be transformed into a spectacular multi-level dining, entertainment and dynamic leisure venue, enhanced by additional space and a new terrace to bring the atmosphere outdoors.
“Freight Island will help to elevate our food and drink offering, creating an expansive and immersive venue, with exciting opportunities for new brands and operators to join our thriving community. Together, we will build on Trinity Kitchen’s decade-long success, ensuring it continues to grow its appeal as a best-in-class food and leisure destination.”
Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience. We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Freight Island to Trinity Leeds as part of this landmark expansion.
“This project allows us to build on what Trinity Kitchen already does so well, while introducing new energy, scale and creativity through an expanded food and leisure offer, a brand-new entertainment space and a standout rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Food will remain at the heart of the venue, with menus driven by independent chefs and operators, alongside a programme of DJs, sports, performances, cultural and family events, all with a strong focus on showcasing and supporting local Leeds talent.
“Leeds is a city with a powerful cultural identity and a thriving creative and food scene. We look forward to working closely with Landsec and Trinity Leeds to create a destination that supports local operators, creates jobs, nurtures homegrown talent and delivers something truly special for the city.”
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