Sites were let to builders on a 75-year lease which expired in the 1960s, a time of much architectural destruction in Birmingham, so many buildings have been lost.

The bombing during World War II also caused much destruction at the New Street railway station end of the road.

The first lease of land in January 1878 was for a women's hospital in the Priory which would later include the Grand Theatre, Cobden's Hotel and the Winter Gardens.

In July 2012, the lower end of Corporation Street was pedestrianised (except for cycles and access), and buses were rerouted in preparation for the West Midlands Metro extension, which was later completed.

The road separated the buildings with Berlin House located to the east of it and was incorporated into the Corporation Street development as it was part of the slums.

The Minories is now home to numerous small shops and the ground floor fronting Corporation Street is occupied by The Square Peg, a Wetherspoons bar.

Planned developments on Corporation Street include Martineau Galleries to replace Priory Square opposite The Minories.

Vehicular access to Corporation Street is now limited to buses and taxis; it acts as a terminus for many of the city's bus services.