Proposed Corn and Produce Exchange

Plans for the rebuilding of the Corn Exchange were made public early in 1891. However, new directors had taken over the Manchester Corn, Grocery and Produce Exchange Limited with Henry Boddington (II) as chairman. At the first statutory meeting of shareholders held on 10 April 1891 he stated that “Plans of the new buildings had not yet been prepared but the architects had been chosen.” (Messrs Ball and Elce). It would seem that as a result of the take-over Thomas Mitchell’s proposals were abandoned.

The Corn and Grocery Exchange in Cathedral-yard, Manchester, is about to be demolished and rebuilt on an enlarged scale, from plans prepared by Mr. Thomas Mitchell, of St. Ann's-square, in that city. The number of stands will be increased from 250 to 690. [Building News 16 January 1891 page 115] 

PROPOSED NEW CORN AND GROCERY EXCHANGE, MANCHESTER - It is proposed to erect on the present site of the Manchester Corn, Grocery, and Produce Exchange, a building which will provide more than twice the accommodation now available. The site has frontages of 99 ft. to Hanging-ditch, 198 ft. to Fennel-street, and 162 ft. to Half-street, from each of which thoroughfares it is proposed there shall be an entrance to the new Exchange. The new building, which will have a central dome of 84 ft. in diameter, will have an area more than double that of the present Exchange, and by the arrangement of the building ready access can be obtained to every part, while a gallery will be carried round the side walls on which a series of private boxes or offices will be constructed. The present accommodation admits of 250 stands; in the new buildings provision will be made for 690 stands. Designs have been prepared by Mr. Thomas Mitchell, of Manchester. [Builder 31 January 1891 page 93]

Reference    Building News 16 January 1891 page 115
Reference    Builder 31 January 1891 page 93