Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange is a Victorian stone building with a distinctive dome that has stood in Leeds since 1864 and now houses about thirty small, independent shops. The interior features high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light into the open space, where shops, food stalls, and occasional events take place.
The building was designed by architect Cuthbert Broderick and opened in 1864 to serve as a trading center for the grain business in the region. In the twentieth century, economic needs changed, the building fell into disuse, and was later restored first in the 1990s and again around 2008 to become the shopping and events venue it is today.
The name comes from its original purpose as a grain trading center in the 1800s. Today, visitors use the space to discover independent shops run by local makers and craftspeople who sell their goods directly and share the stories behind what they create.
The space is located centrally on Kirkgate in a busy part of the city, surrounded by other shopping streets and markets, making it easy to reach and navigate. The interior is designed as an open layout with multiple levels and corners that hide shops, so it pays to take time wandering around to discover all the areas.
The building was featured in a trailer for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, highlighting its distinctive shape as a symbol of Leeds in modern popular culture. Visitors are often surprised to learn that the dome design was inspired by a building in Paris, giving the place a subtle international character.
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