Corn Exchange now open for business as restrictions eased
ONE OF the nation’s last remaining corn exchanges listed for trade has opened its doors to shoppers as restrictions ease.
Leeds’ architecturally renowned Victorian Corn Exchange, built in 1863 and now Grade 1 listed, is home to dozens of independent retailers and niche businesses.
All but its hairdressers and hospitality units have now reopened to customers, with shopowners breathing a sigh of relief after three months of closed doors.
“The Corn Exchange is an icon, everybody loves it and wants to see it succeed so it was important to open the door and get people back in,” said centre manager Adam Warner.
“We wanted to open as soon as we could and as soon as was safe for us. In truth we did not have any expectation for how it would go, we are just delighted to be open.
“We know that we have got something special in Leeds.”
Among those welcoming back shoppers yesterday was Adrianna Drozd, from potted plant specialist The Plant Point.
“We are very happy,” she said. “We have missed our plants and missed our customers. It was pretty steady all day.
“We were a bit worried about how we would manage queues with the balconies but so far, all good.”
A one-way system has been put in place around the building, which now has sanitiser stations and social distancing rules.
The opening of such independents is “vital”, said the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, while striking a balance with safety and customer confidence.
These businesses are the city’s “fingerprints”, adds Mark Goldstone, head of business representation and policy, that help to create its sense of vibrancy and community.