Lead Pic: Work on the Dome Corn Exchange. Pic by Carlotta Luke
Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) has announced Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre restorations have entered the final stage.
According to BHCC, the project to restore Brighton Dome’s Grade I listed Corn Exchange and Grade II Studio Theatre, and create new spaces for artists and audiences, will “see these unique and historic buildings protected and preserved for future generations.”
The Corn Exchange, once a royal riding house, has been stripped back to reveal its original heritage features, including the widest span timber frame in the country and the distinctive ornate windows.
The Studio Theatre, originally designed in 1935 by renowned architect Robert Atkinson, has also been re-modelled and its unique architectural features carefully cleaned and returned to their former glory.
BHCC leader Phélim Mac Cafferty said: “As part of the world-famous Royal Pavilion Estate, the Dome, Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre are at the heart of the city’s heritage, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
“Restoring these unique buildings has been a huge and complex undertaking and we are grateful for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Heritage Capital Kickstart Fund and Arts Council England’s Cultural Capital Kickstart Fund which has helped to make this possible.
“We look forward to opening the doors later this year, and unveiling this fantastic restoration project to our residents, visitors, artists and performers.”