Corn Exchange pavilion building gets the green light

Plans for the new pavilion building to support the transformation of the area around the iconic Corn Exchange building in Leeds city centre have been given the go-ahead.Corn Exchange owner CX (Leeds), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rushbond, submitted an application to Leeds City Council earlier this year for the new building.The grade I-listed Corn Exchange building was completed in 1863 to the designs of Cuthbert Brodrick and is known for its iconic dome.The pavilion building is set to be located within a re-created area of public realm being created as part of the wider Connecting Leeds Corn Exchange Gateway programme.Work is underway on the transformation of the public realm outside building, complementing the Connecting Leeds highway works.The new pavilion building is a key element of the transformation programme. It is designed to be a satellite building to the Corn Exchange and support its economic performance.The building, designed by architects’ practice Carmody Groake, would be suitable for a range of commercial uses. It is being speculatively developed and is expected to be occupied by a single user, potentially a cafe or shop.A series of folding doors would be included in the eastern elevation enabling the frontage to be opened out onto the public realm, with a dedicated outside area set aside under a proposed canopy suitable for al-fresco dining.The southern elevation would face on to the proposed new green space and feature a large ‘picture window’ providing a view on to the Corn Exchange.Full planning permission has now been granted by the council, subject to conditions, under delegate powers.