The Corn Exchange is a Grade II Listed, landmark building in Manchester City Centre. It is a building both reflective of and shaped by the city’s history. Originally designed for and used as a corn and produce exchange, the building was badly damaged by the 1996 IRA bomb, the building
was repaired and reopened as the Triangle Shopping Centre in the early 2000s. Isolated from the main shopping area at the time, the building ran with steadily declining success with a handful of restaurants fronting Exchange Square bucking the trend. In 2011, 5plus architects were appointed by building owner Aviva and Development Managers Queensberry to deliver transformational proposals for the building. The brief built on the success of the restaurants at ground floor and Phase I included the creation of a dining destination for 19 bars and restaurants. In 2016, 5plus were retained to deliver Phase II of the transformation and in close collaboration with contractor ISG together we have successfully realised the completion of the building’s transformation from a
failing asset, disconnected from the city to one of Manchester’s most vibrant hotel and leisure destinations. Transforming the upper floors from dated offices into a new 114-room aparthotel for operator Roomzzz. The completion of the scheme evidences the high quality outcomes achievable
when architects and contractors work together collaboratively towards a common goal.
Corn Exchange Phase II, Aviva Investment Property Trust, Manchester
