Leeds-based developers Rushbond paid an undisclosed sum for the property

One of the most iconic buildings in Leeds’ skyline has a new owner.

The Grade-I listed Leeds Corn Exchange has been bought by Leeds-based property investment company Rushbond, who paid an undisclosed sum for the building.

Built in 1863 by architect Cuthbert Brodrick, Leeds Corn Exchange is one of only three corn exchanges in the country that still function as a centre for trade. It sits at the top of Call Lane, and along with the Majestic building - another Rushbond property - forms Boar Lane’s “heritage bookends”

As well as the Majestic, Rushbond is currently working alongside Leeds City Council, City Fusion, and other interest groups to redevelop First White Cloth Hall, which along with recent acquisition New York House, will play a part in the rejuvenation of Kirkgate.

170302 Corn Exchange Civic Court
Leeds Civic Court

Rushbond has a good history of restoring Leeds heritage sites and properties that other investors have written off as unattractive propositions, such as Crispin House (Now Crispin Lofts and BrewDog’s Shuffledog), the former Leeds Education Board building (Now Civic Court, overlooking Millennium Square and Leeds Town Hall) and the Majestic building, currently under development.

Rushbond real estate director Mark Finch says how privileged they feel to have added such a stunning landmark to their portfolio, adding there are “exciting and transformational times ahead for this historic area of the City.”

There will be no immediate transformations of the Corn Exchange or its functionality at the moment. For now it’s business as usual, with current property manager Savills continuing to take charge of the building’s day-to-day operations.