The Corn Exchange is moving on to the next stage in its varied history following a decision by St Edmundsbury Borough Council on 29 June 2010 to accept a bid from JD Wetherspoon.
In 2010 the borough council opened its new Apex public venue, within the arc development in Bury St Edmunds. The Apex is designed by the internationally renowned Hopkins Architects and makes an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the borough and surrounding areas. It seats 500 for formal performances and accommodates over 700 people standing, as well as offering a completely flexible space for conference and community use.
As the Corn Exchange would no longer be needed as a public hall, for the past few years the council has investigated different uses. Following a wide marketing and tendering exercise the council shortlisted two bids in 2010 which were then discussed by councillors. Residents and businesses had the opportunity to talk to both bidders at a drop-in event in the Corn Exchange before the decision was made and councillors had a summary of all the comments as part of the report (PDF 3.8Mb) outlining the two options. They also had a financial comparison (PDF 20Kb) of the two bids. Although the council, as the owner of the Corn Exchange, has approved the Wetherspoon bid the company will also need to apply for planning and licensing permission to turn it into a pub.
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