I haven’t visited Leeds Corn Exchange since before the first lockdown in 2020. The first question in my mind was, “What did it have to offer an older person like me?” I was pleased to see a curving ramp giving easy access for wheelchair users and for disabled people, which led immediately into the ground floor. This is a new and important addition of access to the building. The main entrance is wide and accommodating. On entering the main concourse, the visitor is immediately aware that Christmas is on its way. The extraordinary and magnificent roof (which is the first thing you see) is a masterpiece of design and engineering. A great deal of time and money has gone into decorating the building; wherever you look there are huge blow-up decorations and baubles of every kind, which give a very festive feel. Down in the basement is a huge Christmas tree. The scene was set. However, although the decorations running down the staircases looked very jolly, they did impede the use of the handrail in places.

There are a plethora of independent and unique shops and something for everyone, from clothing to jewellery, roller skating and knitting yarns. You could get your hair cut, have a tattoo or buy some unusual greeting cards. The Sculpture Gallery on the first floor is well worth a visit. Set up by a group of artists to display and sell their work, it has some extraordinary and unique pieces for sale. I was particularly taken with one shop that sold patchwork clothing made from material and clothing saved from landfill. The very helpful assistant said they made bespoke items for customers too, from their discarded clothing. I there was a huge range and choice.   

There are two sets of toilets, one set on the first floor and one set in the basement. There are no specific disabled loos, although there are baby changing facilities in the first-floor toilets. Though a bit cramped, both sets of toilets were clean. There were no low sinks, but plentiful hot and cold water as well as soap, hand towels and an electric dryer.

The basement can be accessed off the main street. There is a wide ramp with a handrail so it is probably a better entrance for anyone with mobility issues. While the Christmas market is on, there is a licensed café downstairs. There is lots of room and seating is plentiful. Other than the café and coffee shop on the ground floor there is no other seating round the building. The lift services all three shopping areas and is quite small. Two people would find it a squeeze so a person in a wheelchair who was accompanied by a friend may have difficulties. I have met this problem before in old and listed buildings who try to be accessible; it can be a problem to overcome planning regulations or make the the necessary structural changes needed to make the building fully wheelchair-friendly.

Anyone looking for something unusual or a little bit out of the ordinary would find something to love in Leeds Corn Exchange.  it’s a very pleasant venue with an unusual and unique range of goods for sale - and a nice place to browse for an hour or two.