Corn Exchange
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Location: Manchester
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Sector: Heritage
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Division: Regional Building
Tilbury Douglas successfully delivered the restoration and transformation of the Grade II listed Corn Exchange in Manchester, an iconic city centre landmark. The project was completed in two phases: Phase 1 focused on façade repairs, refurbishment, and fit-out works to the main entrance, while Phase 2 involved the redevelopment of 131,200 ft² of retail space into a major dining destination.
The works included strengthening masonry, subdividing units for restaurants, and upgrading the plant system to accommodate modern requirements. Careful coordination ensured minimal disruption to existing tenants and neighbouring businesses, with works completed on time and within budget.
The project revitalised the Corn Exchange, physically linking it with other key developments and securing its place as a thriving hub in Manchester’s commercial and cultural landscape.
The Corn Exchange project involved significant structural and aesthetic refurbishments while preserving the building’s historic integrity.
Phase 1 included façade restoration and refurbishment of key entrances, enhancing the building’s visual and functional appeal. Phase 2 was an extensive redevelopment of the former shopping mall into a high-end dining destination. Works included stripping out outdated interiors, masonry reinforcement, subdivision of 17 food and beverage units, and plant upgrades to support modern service demands.
In a sensitive heritage setting, Tilbury Douglas liaised closely with English Heritage and local authorities to ensure compliance with conservation regulations. Strategic project phasing enabled seamless integration of new infrastructure while maintaining the building’s original character, supporting Manchester’s regeneration efforts.
At a glance...
£10m
Project value
2015
Completion date
Aviva Investors
Client
Challenges and solutions
Operating within a busy city centre location posed logistical challenges, requiring precise scheduling of construction activities, deliveries, and waste removal to minimise disruption. Tilbury Douglas implemented a robust traffic management strategy, including a designated storage compound and segregated routes for safe site operations.
Managing a live environment with multiple tenants necessitated the appointment of a dedicated Tenant Liaison Officer to coordinate communications and facilitate temporary solutions, such as pop up restaurants, ensuring businesses remained operational.
The Grade II listed status demanded meticulous conservation efforts, with close collaboration with English Heritage to safeguard the building’s historic fabric. Despite these complexities, the project was delivered on time, reinforcing Tilbury Douglas’ expertise in heritage refurbishment.
Added value
The Corn Exchange redevelopment delivered significant social, environmental, and economic benefits. Sustainability was prioritised through the reuse of original materials, such as cobblestones repurposed for a local hospice, enhancing community access to outdoor spaces. Careful value engineering ensured cost efficiency without compromising heritage preservation, balancing modern functionality with historical integrity.
The revitalisation of the Corn Exchange supported Manchester’s wider regeneration efforts, boosting footfall, creating jobs, and securing the building’s long term viability as a key destination. Through strategic planning and a commitment to heritage excellence, Tilbury Douglas played a pivotal role in restoring this landmark for future generations.
Our partners
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M&E Engineer: Cundall
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Structural Engineer: Buro Happold
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Project Manager: Spring & Co
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Architect: 5 plus Architects
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Cost Consultant: Arcadis