Future of Ely 1960s Building on Market Square up for discussion
A new vision for the redesign of the 1960s commercial structure located in Ely’s Market Place was introduced in 2017, marking a significant turning point for the future of the city’s iconic building. The proposal aimed to address previous concerns about the building’s social and economic impact and promised to bring about positive transformation after years of stagnation.
The initiative came about after members of the community raised questions on social media regarding the fate of the outdated edifice, which has long stood as a stark reminder of unfulfilled potential. The property management company, Rannerlow, which holds ownership of the building, presented ambitious plans in March 2015 to modernize the former Corn Exchange structure. These plans, totaling £4 million, were showcased to the public through two major exhibitions, outlining a vision that included the development of 21 high-end residential apartments on the premises.
Despite initial excitement surrounding the proposed redevelopment, concerns quickly surfaced, prompting the need for a reevaluation of the designs. Criticisms centered around the perceived scale and design of the initial proposal, with feedback indicating that the structure appeared incongruent with the surrounding historical architecture of Ely’s Market Place. In response to these critiques, Rannerlow introduced revised plans in hopes of striking a better balance between modernization and preservation.
The revised proposal included the incorporation of a new facade, adding visual interest to the building while enhancing its integration with the existing architectural landscape. A planning application was officially submitted to the East Cambridgeshire District Council in April 2017, seeking approval to expand the building vertically to accommodate the envisioned apartments. The new designs featured a mix of two-bedroom units with spacious open-plan living spaces to meet the demands of modern urban living.
Despite efforts to address the community’s concerns and refine the proposed plans, the redesign faced further opposition from residents and heritage organizations. Critics raised objections to the perceived impact of the development on Ely’s historical landscape, particularly the proximity to prominent landmarks such as Ely Cathedral. Concerns were also voiced about the handling of waste management, suggesting potential environmental and aesthetic challenges.
Following mounting opposition and feedback from various stakeholders, the plans were eventually withdrawn by Rannerlow in November 2017, leaving the future of the building uncertain. Subsequent attempts to revive the project have not materialized, with no new applications forthcoming for the site as confirmed by the East Cambridgeshire District Council.
As the city grapples with the question of what lies ahead for the iconic 1960s building on Market Place, stakeholders continue to await news of potential developments that may shape the future landscape of Ely’s city center. The legacy of the reimagined structure remains an open-ended narrative, with the promise of transformation awaiting a decisive conclusion.