New plans could see Leith's historic corn exchange turned into place of worship
Change of use application for Edinburgh building lodged with council planners
An historic building in the heart of Leith could be set for a new lease of life as a place of worship and mixed-use office space.
CRC Church applied to the council’s planning department on July 23 for a change of use at the historic Corn Exchange at 35 Constitution Street, from offices to mixed use of offices and public worship.
The plans show the ground floor would largely remain as it is if the application is accepted, with the small car park with 14 spaces remaining.
However, the first floor would be transformed, with a large worship space for up to 215 people. There would also be a kitchen, hospitality area and baby room on this floor.
The mezzanine level and roof of the 987sqm building would remain as they are if the change of use application is approved by council planners.
Externally, the plans show that two internally mounted LED monitors would be added at the entrance, displaying promotional material and advertisements. Raised acrylic panel signs would also be added to three of the doors facing the street.
The Christian Revival Church is a traditional, Protestant, Calvinist denomination place of worship, which was founded in 1994 by Pastor At Boshoff in South Africa, with a core mission statement to "win the lost at any cost”. It currently has two Scottish churches, in Glasgow and at Casselbank Street in Edinburgh.
The Corn Exchange Leith, located on the corner of Constitution Street and Baltic Street, was built in 1861 as a dedicated hub for local corn merchants. It features an exterior frieze along Constitution Street sculpted by John Rhind that depicts cherubs working in various agricultural services.
The interior was converted at the start of the 21st century into a modern, open-plan space, winning the ‘Best Re-Use of a Listed Building‘ commendation at the 2006 Scottish Design Awards.
Council planners will decide whether or not to approve this application, which has so far received no public comments on the council’s online planning portal.