Civic Society backs expanded use of Corn Exchange

The Bristol Civic Society says it supports a plan to bring the upper floors of the Corn Exchange back into use, as the City Council says £5.5m of repairs are needed on the historic building.

The Grade II listed Corn Exchange, which houses St Nick's Market, is more than 280 years old, with Andrew Brown, chair of Economy and Skills Committee at the council saying it has not been refurbished for a century.

As part of the planned work, it is thought the upper floors could be revitalised for use by businesses in the city.

Sandra Fryer, chair of Bristol Civic Society told BBC Radio Bristol the plan is "very positive".

Bristol City Council first revealed the building needs major work on Wednesday, adding it is only committing £550,000 towards the work; around one tenth of the expected cost.

More money will eventually need to be sourced externally, but council chiefs said the initial funding will be invested in repairing the building's urgent health and safety issues.

They added there is no "immediate risk" to the market, which hosts 63 independent traders.

"A city centre market is absolutely vital to the vibrancy and success of city centres and I'm delighted to hear Councillor Brown say that the future of the market is not in doubt," Ms Fryer said.

"I think the question for Bristol is how the market is re-envisioned to be as successful as we see markets in other places.

"In my memory, the upper floor were very, very successful offices, actually for the city council's property team.

"And those buildings haven't been used properly for some time, but they could create very positive new shared business space, creative business opportunities and there's funding for that."

Lynn Hanby from the St Nicholas Market Traders Steering Group said St Nick's is strongest "when the traders are at it's heart".

"Yes it's about caring for our heritage, but it's also about caring for a really important economic, social and cultural asset," she said.

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