During this time period, we’ll explore the ambitious redevelopment plans of the 1960s that sought to reshape the heart of Manchester, the resurgence of the Corn Exchange as a hub of cultural activity during the 1970s, and the harrowing impact of the 1996 IRA bombing that forever altered its fate. Join us as we delve into the remarkable history of this iconic structure, from its grand aspirations to its enduring resilience.
In the early 1960’s, the Corn Exchange Board of Directors had numerous proposals to purchase the building and land owned by the Corn, Grocery and Produce Exchange Ltd., this was part of a bigger plan for a proposed multi-million-pound redevelopment in the area.
Property Investments Consolidation Ltd. won out in the bidding war and in this 1963 article, we can see a model of the £5 million development taking over a 4.15-acre site bound by Corporation St., Cathedral St., Long Millgate and the Cannon St. section of the City Centre.
It was to include two towering 20- storey office blocks, flanked by a luxury hotel of 120 rooms, two public houses with large shopping precincts, elevated pedestrian ways, luxury flats and having the Corn Exchange feature as one of its central spots.
The whole site would’ve stretched from Victoria Station to Cannon Street with a 200-yard frontage on Corporation Street and the new blocks towering over Manchester Cathedral.
At the time the scheme was believed to be the first definite plan in Britain to segregate traffic and pedestrians on different levels.
The Corn Exchange still had a 20,000 square feet of trading floor at the time with nearly 500 shops owned by tenants which numbered 200. Assurance had been given the accommodation will still be provided for the Corn and Produce Exchange, that traders would not be disturbed by any building works and they could remain – some of them having been with the Exchange for a century and ranging from small offices to warehouses and shops.
The scheme was expected to start in approx. 1964 and take 5 years. It is unsure why the plans did not go ahead but there are mentions of the plan hinging on the road schemes in the Manchester City Plan and stories of owners of neighbouring buildings refusing to sell their properties.
During the 1970’s the interior of the building slowly fell into disuse until the arts injected life back into it. It was used by The Royal Exchange Theatre Company in 1976, and as a filming location for Granada Television in Brideshead Revisited. It was during this period that the building was recognised as having definite quality and character and in 1973 it became a Grade II listed building, having special interest that warranted preservation.
From the 1980’s, the exterior of the building remained occupied with various business such as shops, banks and places to eat with offices making up the higher floors.
Over time, the inside of the building became a marketplace again but this time it was filled with market stalls selling clothing, books, antiques, jewellery and piercing paraphernalia as well as second-hand record shops and more. Permanent shops lined the perimeter, while temporary stalls filled the main floor, and a cafe was housed in the basement.
The market was a mecca for alternative culture with one of the main attractions being a fortune teller named Avril who often had a queue hours long! The accuracy of her consultations earned her a dedicated following and a client list that included celebrities as well as the general public and businesses.
The 1980s Corn Exchange was more akin to today’s Affleck’s Palace with numerous independent traders and stallholders, this era is often held fondest in the memories of Mancunians today.
One of the darkest and most defining moments in Manchester’s recent history is the events of Saturday 15th June 1996. On this day, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) detonated a 3,300lb lorry bomb on Corporation Street just 100 metres away.
At around 9.20am, a Ford van was parked on Corporation Street just across from The Arndale Centre. Two men left the van after setting a timer and walked behind the Corn Exchange to Cathedral Street where a third man was waiting in a car. Telephone warnings were made approx. One hour to 90 minutes before the bomb detonated to TV stations, radio stations newspapers and a hospital. Emergency services were able to evacuate around 75,000 people from the city but unfortunately could not defuse the bomb in time and it exploded at 11.17am.
More than 200 people were injured but due to the rapid response of the emergency services there were no fatalities despite the wide scale devastation. The heroic efforts of all involved are worthy of further reading, with the Manchester Evening News also collecting memories of the day from the general public.
CCTV footage can be seen of the blast in this short film from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Viewer discretion is advised. Further images can be seen on the GMP Flickr profile.
Several buildings were damaged beyond repair with those closest to the blast receiving the worst damage. No building within half a mile was unscathed and that included the Corn Exchange. Our glass dome shattered and fell on to the market area below, all windows were blown in by the blast, external masonry was affected and internal structural damage received. The building was forced to close and a ‘force majuere’ was invoked on the leases of all business, traders and tenants due to this fact with the building then closing. Many of these traders had to close their businesses whilst others moved premises, some to the up and coming Northern Quarter. It would take 4 years to repair the damage with the building later reopening as The Triangle Shopping Centre.
