New owners Rushbond announce their intentions for the building’s future
The first details have been announced regarding the evolution of Leeds’ landmark Corn Exchange, with a view to reestablish it as a prominent leisure and retail destination.
As we announced in March, Leeds-based property investment and development firm Rushbond acquired the Grade I listed building earlier this year, owner of Boar Lane’s other “heritage bookend” the Majestic building, which is currently under redevelopment as office and leisure space.
Plans for the Corn Exchange aren’t quite as drastic, though, with only minor physical adjustments to make the building more of an attractive destination for visitors and locals. Subject to planning applications, the lower ground level which formerly housed Piazza by Anthony and later Rib Shakk will be home of “The Yard” - a new cafeteria with a focus on local, independent food offerings and a communal use of the ground floor space.
Accessibility will be improved accessibility across all levels, as well as improvements to washroom facilities, and signage and branding standards will be reassessed, encouraging traders to incorporate design elements individual to their own brands. Work is expected to commence some time in 2018.
Leeds’ Corn Exchange is one of only three corn exchange buildings left in the UK, designed by Leeds Town Hall architect Cuthbert Brodrick and opened in 1863, it’s currently a breeding ground for successful independent businesses including King Koby, Little Leeds Beer House, Humpit, and Red Tattoo and Piercing.
