Save Leeds Corn Exchange!
The cultural and historical landmark that is The Corn Exchange in Leeds, is facing closure due to the city’s gentrification plans. The plans have caused uproar from city residents and people all over the UK. The exchange is the hub for independent shops and stalls in the north, and if closed could see many of these businesses lost.
Its potential closure has attracted lots of attention so much so, the Facebook group ‘Save the Corn Exchange’ has over 4,261 members - and that’s only one group of two. The group’s enthusiasm is based around the idea that if you can bring the Cadbury Wispa back with Facebook, then you must be able to help the Corn Exchange.
The rejuvenation plans (if they go ahead) will see the exchange turned into a gourmand’s paradise, with restaurants and food sellers. This is not good news for the number of clothing and jewellery sellers, who will not be included in the new plans and face eviction.
Academics form the city’s universities have joined the debate posing the question; ‘Is Leeds going in the right direction?’ This is a common dilemma faced by many towns and cities planning rejuvenation. By ploughing vast amount of money into the city, they then attract multinational and chain stores to pay the increased rents to cover the development costs. The results see local and independent businesses being pushed out of shops and forced to take business on the internet or close altogether. Everyone is concerned with city turning into another clone town, filled with the same shops, restaurants and bars as every other town and losing its unique businesses and communities.
It is really great to see so many people passionate about keeping Leeds individuality and character intact – and wanting to defend their right to shop locally and independently.
Well done guys!
photo supplied by stevecadman over on Flickr (cc)
7 Responses to “Save Leeds Corn Exchange!”
savecornexchange says:
December 20th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Hi, this is great. Thanks for the support. The Save the Corn Exchnage campaign has got a blog as well! It would be great if you put a link from your post, thanks
http://savecornexchange.blogspot.com/
anna says:
January 18th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
hey
is Grin in the corn Xchange in leeds staying open??
if not please keep it open so emos, Goths can go shopping because thats the only shop in Leeds to go shopping???
from anna
Naomi says:
January 19th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
omg i just cant belive this place will be shit down?! where will we all shop there is NOWHERE else to shop in leeds for individuality-emo/goth for gods sake its like they are trying to wipe us out or something
but this is good
danielle says:
January 21st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
OMG I CANT BELIEVE WHAT YOU PEOPLE ARE DOING!
There is nowhere else in leeds where me and my friends can shop. it is totally unfair. there is no genuine reason for this. the corn exchange is individual and like no other place in Leeds. im am totally against the idea of it changing to a food court.
are you trying to get rid of all the emo/goths/moshers/punks ect?
Helen E. says:
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Hi,
Thanks for all the great comments it’s really inspiring to see so many people passionate about the Corn Exchange. Don’t forget to sign up to the ‘Save Leeds Corn Exchange’ group here on the site - you can join up and join in here: http://www.welovelocal.com/groups/save-leeds-corn-exchange/
Save the Hole in the Wall! – welovelocal Blog says:
February 14th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
[…] in December we posted about the closure of Leeds Corn Exchange, well now another local favourite is facing closure, only this time it’s in time in […]
Rob says:
March 28th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
It’s a shame that The Corn Exchange will lose the independent shops that it’s become known for but maybe the food stalls will be just as independent.
It seems many of the clothing shops have found new homes already which is encouraging.
As far as the goth kids go, good riddance, have you ever thought how intimidating you all look when you hang around in a massive group ?. It may be that you have caused Zurich to take this change of direction with its plans for the Corn Exchange.