Leeds Corn Exchange acquired by property investment company

Thee Grade-I listed Leeds Corn Exchange, one of the most recognizable buildings in the city, now has a new owner.

Rushbond, the Leeds-based property investment company, has acquired the iconic building for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition follows Rushbond’s recent announcement on the Leeds’ First White Cloth Hall in Kirkgate, just a short distance from the Corn Exchange.

Working alongside Leeds City Council, City Fusion and other interest groups, Rushbond plans to redevelop the First White Cloth Hall as part of the wider rejuvination of the Kirkgate area.

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.

The Grade-I listed building sits at the top of Call Lane, and acts as one of two heritage ‘book-ends’ of Boar Lane, along with the Majestic building, which is another Rushbond property.

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.

Rushbond is an investor in property in Leeds and Yorkshire and has been so since its formation.

Since 1986, Rushbond has invested in many of the County’s great heritage buildings, including most recently through the redevelopment of Crispin Lofts in Leeds’ Northern Quarter and St. Leonard’s Place in York.

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.

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