00:01A planning report says the proposed works on this Leeds landmark will have a positive functional and social impact by reactivating a previously disused part of the lower ground floor and improving its usability, safety and commercial appeal.
00:17Planning permission has now been given the green light for refurbishment works at the Leeds Corn Exchange with new retail units set to be installed on the lower ground floor of the Grade 1 listed building.
00:30Leeds City Council gave listed building consent for the scheme which involves the demolition of an existing bar and kitchen area.
00:38A design report said that insensitive past additions would be removed from the building originally designed by the Victorian architect Cuthbert Broderick.
00:47The report added that the building's historical significance lies in its architectural design, historical role and social impact as a centre of commerce in Leeds.
00:57The proposed works have been carefully designed to minimise physical intervention into the historic fabric of the Corn Exchange and the project would follow a first phase of refurbishments to retail units carried out in 2024.
01:12The report by Massive Architecture said that the units have been successfully occupied by independent traders and businesses and the lower ground floor plays host to regular events such as charity craft fairs and artisan markets.
01:26The latest works have been designed to increase floor space and boost trade.
01:31The first Corn Exchange in Leeds was located at the north end of Brigitte and was opened in 1829.
01:37It was considered too small by the middle of the 19th century and civic officials decided to commission a larger building.
