Multi-million pound revamp for historic city Corn Exchange

Doncaster’s Corn Exchange will be restored in a major makeover, following a successful bid to the Levelling Up Fund.

Market Asset Management (MAM) and Doncaster Council have revealed more details of how they intend to enhance the Grade II* Listed Corn Exchange, as part of ambitious plans to transform the city centre through a £18.6m cash injection from the Government’s Levelling Up initiative.

Work on the historic building is intended to make it fit for modern trading while restoring the heritage features of the property. The scheme will create modern trading units on the ground floor.

The Corn Exchange, which was built in 1870, will continue to accommodate studios for artists and pop-up traders, allowing customers to watch artisans at work.

The building has been temporarily closed, with traders relocated to either Goose Hill – next to Doncaster Fish Market – or the International Food Hall.

Councillor Phil Cole, cabinet member for finance and trading services, said: “Following our successful bid for Levelling Up funding, we welcome this opportunity to enhance the Corn Exchange as a vibrant retail environment, attractive to residents and visitors alike and further supporting our local traders to thrive.

“The restoration work will enhance the beauty and scale of our striking 19th century Corn Exchange, a building that is grand enough to occupy the heart of any English city centre.”

 

Hayden Ferriby, commercial director at MAM, said: “We are incredibly excited at the plans for the Corn Exchange as part of our ongoing work and commitment to increase and diversify what the award-winning Doncaster Market offers.

“Visitors want to visit unique destinations that give them an experience to remember and somewhere they want to visit again.

“These plans will not only help preserve an iconic building but ensure Doncaster Markets plays its role in building on Doncaster’s continued rejuvenation and recently awarded city status.”

 

Samantha Mooney, project architect, added: “The proposals, developed by Group Ginger Architects, focus on removing the former central mezzanine to open up the space, revealing heritage features and providing a flexible, open space to host a diverse range of events including pop up markets.

“A new timber clad feature staircase connects the ground floor to the International Food Market and first floor galleries, reinstating a sense of grandeur in the space.

“Lift access is introduced to the first floor balconies to improve the accessibility and inclusion of the space, encouraging new users and uses.

” Plans in more detail include: Removal of central mezzanine to create open event/pop up trading space; Creation of modern retail units in keeping with the heritage status of the building; Accessibility to all levels within the Corn Exchange; Connectivity with International Food Hall and Market Square; and New trader and event toilet facilities.