Leeds Corn Exchange

Leeds Corn Exchange

Visited :-  19/05/2018

Corn Exchange

• History :- 

                  The Leeds Corn Exchange is a victorian building in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.  Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, a Hull Architect best known for Leeds Town Hall, this Grade I listed structure was completed in 1862 and opened on 28 July 1863. The dome design was based on that of the Bourse de commerce of Paris by Francois-Joseph Belanger and Francois Brunet, completed in 1811.Leeds Corn Exchange is now just one of three corn exchanges in the country which operates in its traditional capacity as a centre for trade, albeit no longer for trading in corn. After closing, its condition deteriorated. Early proposals for regeneration included turning it into a concert hall similar to the Royal Albert Hall. In November 2007 it was revealed that the centre (which was being refurbished after being taken over by Zurich Financial Services) was to be converted into a food emporium. The plans brought protest from the independent traders, who were removed from the Corn Exchange, and their customers. After the restoration the Corn Exchange re-opened in November 2008 as a boutique shopping centre for independent retailers. The 13,200-square-foot (1,230m) ground level was occupied by Piazza by Anthony until its sudden closure in June 2013. The upper levels are home to a number of retailers. (Taken from Wikipedia)  

Inside View

• My visit to Leeds Corn Exchange was a big surprise it is like a hidden gem its such a beautiful building, stunning architecture within the city centre. I had visited this place with my daughter and her friend looking for a prom dress for my daughter obviously😂. which she tried on quiet a few dresses but she didn't like any as you know a typical teenager🙅 will have you running around like crazy before you can actually find the ONE!!😔. The details and specs of this building really caught my eye with surprise and then saw there were a lot of steps to enter as I am a wheelchair user that's no good but then luckily we went around to the back and saw two doors saying wheelchair accessible YAY!. There is a notice on the door with a mobile number on saying to give them a call as the doors were locked for them to open them, so I did. Then came a lovely security guard opens the doors and in front were two big wooden planks used as ramps which was a little bit steep but what can you expect with a listed building only so much can be done to it.We finally entered which looked more like a basement but as we went in further my eyes were like WOW!😱I was memorised with the beauty and such details it entailed. So at this point I forgot about the dreaded prom dress stress and got caught up in the moment😍. I then hear a voice reminding me why we are there in the first place erm oops so off we went in to the lift to the first  and then second floor in a hunt for the one dress. OK I will not bore you all with my shopping fiascoes lol😂🙈. But I would definitely recommend going it is a bit tight to move around on the balcony but still do able as you will see in the images below.
  
  
  

  

  Wheelchair Ramp

       

Address :- Call Lane

                   Leeds

                   LS1 7BR

• Opening Times:-
• Monday to Wednesday:- 10am to 6pm
• Thursday :- 10am to 9pm
• Friday to Saturday:- 10am to 6pm
• Sunday:- 10:30am to 4:30pm

By Aisha Mir