Transition...

Manchester's Corn Exchange was erected in 1897 and opened for business in 1903 as 'The Corn & Produce Exchange'. Thousands of traders gathered there from all over the North West to sell their wares. The building's glass dome lit the central trading floor. The economic depression of the 1920s and 1930s took its toll and trade gradually declined with the trading floor falling into disuse. Some re-construction followed the after the building was damaged by World War II bombings. Eventually the building was used as an indoor market with a number of independent traders selling jewelery, clothes, books and records. I remember making a few visits during the 1970s to 'Pips,' a basement club in the building. I also knew some people who rented offices. The building was severely damaged in 1996 by the infamous IRA bomb. An extensive £8 million reconstruction heralded a new chapter in the Grade II listed building's history as 'The Triangle' was created - an upmarket retail centre. Many of the stores that took up residency have disappeared and recently the owners have re-branded as 'The Corn Exchange' with plans to fill the space with bars and restaurants.