Leeds Corn Exchange snapped up

Property investment firm Rushbond has snapped up Grade I-listed building the Leeds Corn Exchange.

Rushbond recently bought the First White Cloth Hall in Kirkgate, just round the corner from its new acquisition.

Alongside Leeds City Council and City Fusion amongst others, Rushbond plans to redevelop the First White Cloth Hall as part of the wider renaissance of the Kirkgate area.

Rishbond has also been involved in the redevelopment of Crispin Lofts in Leeds’ Northern Quarter and St. Leonard’s Place in York.

Mark Finch, real estate director at Rushbond commented: “We feel incredibly privileged that we’ve been able to add the stunning Leeds Corn Exchange to our portfolio.

“It is a magnificent building that is home to a wide variety of independent shops and businesses. Alongside Kirkgate Market, Leeds Corn Exchange has played a hugely prominent part in the history of Leeds, and its role in the renaissance of this part of the City will be pivotal. There are exciting and transformational times ahead for this historic area of the City.”

Leeds Corn Exchange was built by Leeds architect Cuthbert Brodrick in 1863, and is one of only three remaining Corn Exchanges still functioning as a centre for trade in Britain.

Since the Corn Exchange reopened to the public in 2008, the centre is now home to a variety of independent businesses, with some 30 shops, cafés and salons operating under its iconic domed roof.

Savills, the current property management agents, have been retained and will continue to take charge of the building’s day-to-day operations. CBRE acted on the transition.