The Leeds Corn Exchange today stands as a shopping centre that many enjoy for their retail therapy but the building has not always been a shopping centre.
Situated in a beautiful old, listed building the Corn Exchange is not only a place of interest for what is found inside, it is also a place of interest for its history and architecture.
Leeds Corn Exchange History
Building of the Leeds Corn Exchange started on 7th May 1861 and took three years to build; being completed in 1864. The architect who designed the Corn Exchange was a famous young architect called Cuthbert Brodrick from Hull, Yorkshire.
Its primary focus, as the name of the building denotes, was that of a corn exchange where merchants and farmers could come and trade their cereal grains.
Over time the trade of cereal grains ceased at corn exchanges around the country and moved to other buildings where trade of all different food types could take place. When this move took place the Leeds Corn Exchange became redundant and started to deteriorate from lack of use.
By the mid 1980’s a company decided the Leeds Corn Exchange would make a great shopping centre and set about refurbishing the building back to its former glory. Once refurbished the building opened its doors in 1990 and quickly became a place for small shops selling alternative items such as badges, clothing and jewellery.
Leeds Corn Exchange Today
In 2006 the Corn Exchange was taken over by Zurich Financial Services and the small stores were closed so the building could under go further refurbishment, this time to make the building into a food emporium and shopping centre.
The new and improved Leeds Corn Exchange was opened to a huge fanfare in November 2008 and currently houses a huge 13,200 square foot restaurant operated by a Chef named Anthony Flinn who is renowned in the Leeds area. This huge restaurant is called The Piazza by Anthony.
Shops in the Corn Exchange
Much of the newly refurbished Corn Exchange was to be given over to restaurants and cafes – this is to the disappointment of many fans of the old Corn Exchange which was a haven for that special gift or treat for oneself that was just that bit different.
It seems that the majority of the Corn Exchange is now sadly empty.
Visiting the Leeds Corn Exchange
By public transport the Exchange is a ten minute walk from the Leeds railway station. When you come out of the railway station turn right and walk down New Station Street before turning right onto Swinegate and continuing. The third turning on the right off Swinegate is Concordia Street and the Leeds Corn Exchange is located half way down the street.
By car park at the Swinegate car park and the corn exchange is only a short two or three minute walk away.
Address:
Leeds Corn Exchange
Call Lane
LS1 7BR
Tel: 0113 2448668
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