Star Status at the Exchange

The Exchange and Council House buildings have become so integral to the landscape of Nottingham that most of us take them for granted, never stopping to think about the key role they've played in the city's history. Yet the Exchange is Nottingham's oldest shopping arcade and, along with the Council House, probably the most recognised building in the city.

As further confirmation of the building's importance and firmly cementing its iconic status at the heart of Nottingham's retail centre, English Heritage, endorsed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has just upgraded its listing to Grade II*, putting it in the top 4% of important buildings of historical interest in the country.

The Council House, Exchange Buildings and adjoining shops were built between 1926 and 1929, modelled on Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele by architect TC Howitt. It was opened on 22nd May 1929 by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII. On Howitt's death in 1968, The Times described the building as 'probably still the finest municipal building outside London', and English Heritage in their report cited the Council House and Exchange as 'an exceptional example of C20th civic architecture.... enhanced by the consistently high quality of the decorative art found throughout.'

Neil Fincham, the Exchange's new Centre Manager said, "It's always a pleasure to come to work in the centre when it looks as good as this. It's a beautiful environment, wholly complemented by the stores in the centre."

It's so rare these days to find a shopping centre in buildings of such beauty and importance - another reason to make sure you visit The Exchange when next in Nottingham.