Leeds Buildings Corn Exchange
Thomas Jackson looks at the history of one of Leeds' most iconic buildings
Leeds Buildings: Corn Exchange
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Since its completion in 1864, the Corn Exchange has played host to commodities traders, shopkeepers, goths and restaurateurs, each adding character to one of Leeds’ most enduring landmarks.
Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, who was also responsible for one of our other favourite local buildings, Leeds Town Hall, the Leeds Corn Exchange is one of Britain’s finest examples of Victorian architecture, and holds tremendous significance both as a cultural icon and architectural masterpiece which combines the spectacular with the practical in the heart of the city. The Grade I listed building has undergone many changes in its long history, and weathered more than its fair share of controversy.
As one of only three corn exchanges in the country that still operates in its traditional capacity as a centre for trade (albeit no longer for corn, unless you count that fed to the chickens served up in Anthony Flinn’s ground floor restaurant, Piazza by Anthony), the Corn Exchange stands as a monument to the trading history of the city and of the country as a whole. Transformed into a centre for retail in 1990, the Corn Exchange housed numerous independent outlets including Ark Clothing, On The Wall and Culture Vulture, serving as a popular meeting point for Leeds’ vibrant alternative scene, and remained this way until 2008, when its second major facelift was undertaken.
Following the 2008 restoration, the Corn Exchange is once again proving to be a major attraction for visitors and locals alike. After plans to convert the building into a food emporium were hastily re-thought, the Corn Exchange is steadily filling with new boutique outlets to accompany the highly regarded Piazza by Anthony which occupies the entire 13,200 sq foot lower level. Let’s hope that the Corn Exchange can once again become a thriving hub and re-establish its position as an attraction that is unique to the city of Leeds.
Posted on Wednesday 4th August 2010
Corn Exchange
Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BR
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